How To Start Shirtless: At Home

    The first step for your boys is being barefoot and shirtless at home.  I never gave my sons shirts to sleep with or wear in the house from the start, so I was already a step ahead. Many of you here might have kids who don't already sleep shirtless though, and this post is for you. This can be troubling, as it blocks the way for going in just shorts for almost all other situations. As so, it is important to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

     The most important thing for you to do is to go around the house shirtless yourself. If this isn't what you normally do, getting use to it might be hard at first, but you must show your children that changing to a shirtless lifestyle is possible.  A good way to do this is to sleep shirtless and then don't put a shirt on in the morning. Another action you should take is to get rid of your slippers and refrain from wearing socks or shoes in the house and instead go barefoot, also setting an example for your sons. You should make both of these actions apparent to them so that they are fully aware of your avid support of it. Try being shirtless as much as possible during the times that they are around and do activities that were previously done with a shirt and or shoes, only without them. For example, take off your shirt when mowing the lawn or doing other chores. If they call atention to it, tell your sons that being shirtless and barefoot feels better and is healthy so they will see it in a positive light. Children are very much impressionable and boys also often times emulate their fathers, so your sons will then want to go arond the house in just shorts. Likely however is your sons may not follow in your footsteps and will need encouragement. This is important to do, even if they follow you instantly. But living the lifestyle yourself isn't enough, as they may not adopt your habits.

    The next step is to then start bringing the idea further. During the summer months, you will have an opportunity to tell your sons they should skip the shirt so they won't overheat. Remember to not be too forceful, but still be firm and clear in your wishes so they will get the message completely. Your sons will most likely follow what you say, but there is the chance they won't. If this happens, tell them they have to as it is for their health. They will thank you later for it. After this, it is important to get your sons to stay shirtless in the morning as long as possible. Tell them that they can go to breakfast shirtless and that they don't need to put on a shirt until they have somewhere to go. If needed, tell them that you don't want them to spill anything on a clean shirt if they need extra reason. This will ultimately lead to them spending more and more time shirtless in the house, and around familiar people. Also get them to do any inside activities shirtless and barefoot. And getting your sons to this point is crucial, as it will help adjust them to being shirtless around strangers, and will prepare them for being shirtless outside.

    Finally once you've gotten your sons hooked, you need to cement the progress. A good idea is a family contract of some sort that states that they can go in just shorts anytime unless you tell them not to. Once enacted, you should donate their slippers, sandals or whatever indoor footwear they have. The same should be done with their pajamas if they have any. This will absolutely prevent them from going back, and as well will show that the old way is bad. And with all these steps, hopefully your sons will start their way to a shirtless and barefoot life.