In a lively and candid segment that has reignited conversations about family boundaries and body positivity, the co-hosts of ABC’s long-running daytime talk show “The View” delved into a personal and somewhat controversial topic: at what age should parents draw the line on allowing their children to see them in the nude? The discussion, which aired in a repeat episode originally broadcast on April 1, 2025, highlighted differing perspectives among the panelists, with Sara Haines emerging as the outlier in her relaxed approach to privacy at home. This comes amid the show’s summer hiatus, spanning from July 28 to September 2, during which ABC is rerunning select episodes to keep viewers engaged.

Sara Haines, a familiar face on “The View” since joining as a co-host in 2016, has often shared glimpses into her family life with husband Max Shifrin and their three young children. Two years ago, she made headlines by casually admitting that her kids had “absolutely” caught sight of her “tatas,” a lighthearted term she uses for her breasts. Fast-forward to this episode, and Haines revealed that little has changed in her household dynamics. She painted a vivid picture of the lack of boundaries in her home, explaining how her children routinely barge in without knocking, even during her most private moments.

“My kids do not knock,” Haines stated matter-of-factly during the panel discussion. “We talk about privacy, but we have that conversation while I’m sitting on the toilet and they’re standing there with me.” This admission set the tone for a broader exploration of parental nudity, a subject that resonates with many families navigating the balance between openness and discretion. Haines, who balances her high-profile career with motherhood, emphasized that she isn’t parading around the house without clothes on purpose. Instead, these encounters typically occur in everyday scenarios, such as when she’s applying lotions in the bathroom after a shower.

What makes Haines’ stance particularly noteworthy is her underlying philosophy on body image and shame. She argued passionately against instilling unnecessary modesty in young children, drawing from her own experiences as a breastfeeding mother. “I don’t want my kids to feel that they need to cover up, especially as young kids,” she explained. “I breastfed. My kids didn’t sexualize me; society did. They used to eat from my breasts.” This point underscores a broader cultural critique: Haines believes that societal norms impose adult interpretations on innocent childhood curiosities, potentially leading to body shame later in life.

Haines went on to describe how these interruptions play out in real time. “They will ask questions still to this day,” she said. “They’ll walk in, they don’t stare at me while I’m there; they talk about how they’re fighting with someone and they hit someone. I’m like, ‘I’ll be out in a minute.’” For Haines, these moments are fleeting and non-issue, serving as teachable opportunities rather than awkward encounters. She stressed that her goal is to foster a healthy attitude toward the human body. “But I don’t want them to feel ashamed of their bodies, either,” she continued. “I’m sure there’s a time that comes where it’s weird, but I think you’ll feel that as a parent. But right now, there are no private doors.”

This openness, however, didn’t sit well with all her co-hosts, who offered contrasting views that reflected more traditional boundaries around family privacy. Alyssa Farah Griffin, the show’s conservative voice and a former White House communications director under President Trump, expressed concern about the long-term effects on children, particularly as they approach adolescence. Griffin labeled the idea of pubescent kids witnessing their parents naked as potentially “traumatic,” suggesting that such exposures could leave lasting psychological impressions. Her comment tapped into a common parental fear: the risk of inadvertently crossing lines that might confuse or distress growing children during a vulnerable developmental stage.

Sunny Hostin, the panel’s legal expert and a mother of two, brought in professional insight to bolster the counterargument. She referenced advice from a psychotherapist who advocates for stricter guidelines on nudity in the home. “You should not allow your kids to see you naked ages nine and up,” Hostin quoted, implying that by that age, children begin to develop a more mature understanding of bodies and privacy, which could complicate family dynamics if boundaries aren’t established earlier. Hostin’s contribution added a layer of authority to the debate, drawing on expert opinion to challenge Haines’ more laissez-faire approach.

Whoopi Goldberg, the veteran moderator and EGOT winner, delivered her response with her signature no-nonsense style, cutting through the nuance with practical advice aimed directly at Haines. “Knock on the door! Do not ever walk into any door before you knock,” Goldberg declared emphatically. She warned of the potential shocks—both literal and figurative—that could arise from unannounced entries, emphasizing that teaching respect for closed doors is a fundamental life lesson. “You can get shocked. You can get hurt doing that,” she added. “Knock on the door and see if someone gives you permission. This is 101.”

Haines, ever the good sport, responded with humor and openness, acknowledging the challenge of instilling such habits in her young ones. “I welcome any training of my young children to get them to knock on the door,” she chimed in, prompting Goldberg to offer a playful solution. “Send ’em to my house,” Goldberg quipped. “They’ll never walk in on you again!” This exchange lightened the mood, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts even as they disagreed, a hallmark of “The View’s” appeal.

The segment’s discussion mirrors larger societal debates on parenting in the modern era, where influences like social media, body positivity movements, and evolving gender norms play significant roles. Haines’ perspective aligns with a growing trend among some parents who prioritize naturalism and demystifying the body to combat shame and promote self-acceptance. Critics, however, point to psychological studies suggesting that clear boundaries help children develop a sense of autonomy and respect for personal space. The psychotherapist’s guideline cited by Hostin, for instance, is echoed in various child development resources, which often recommend phasing out shared nudity around school age to align with children’s increasing awareness of social norms.

This isn’t the first time “The View” has tackled intimate family topics, with past episodes exploring everything from co-sleeping to discipline methods. The show’s format—featuring a diverse panel of women from different generations and backgrounds—ensures a rich tapestry of opinions, making it a staple for daytime television viewers seeking relatable and thought-provoking content. Haines, in particular, has become known for her candid shares about motherhood, from fertility struggles to the joys and chaos of raising a family in the public eye.

As the episode wrapped up, it left audiences pondering their own household rules, perhaps prompting reflections on how cultural and personal values shape parenting decisions. For Haines, the conversation reinforced her commitment to an open environment, while her co-hosts’ pushback highlighted the importance of adaptability as children grow.

“The View” continues to air weekdays at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT on ABC, offering a platform for these unfiltered discussions that resonate far beyond the studio. During its current hiatus, fans can catch reruns or stream past episodes via services like Hulu, where the show is available for on-demand viewing. Whether agreeing with Haines’ relaxed vibe or siding with the more cautious camp, one thing is clear: topics like this keep the conversation going, both on air and in homes across the country.