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What it is: You get him dressed, turn around for a second, and the next thing you know, he's naked again!

Why it happens: There are several reasons why young children (usually ages two to four) love to let it all hang out. For starters, being naked just plain feels good. Plus, toddlers relish showing off a newly acquired skill — undressing. Shedding their clothes is also a way of asserting control and testing boundaries (a common theme these days, in case you haven't noticed). By taking off the outfit you painstakingly put on, your little streaker is sending the message: "You might be able to dress me, Mom, but you can't keep me that way!"

What you need to know: Like many other frustrating toddler behaviors, this, too, will one day be a distant memory (except for that stack of adorable nudie photos you can use to embarrass him when he's a teenager).

What to do about it: The more you make a fuss, the more your child will insist on going bare-butt. Instead, be patient and try these tips:

Say yes sometimes. When temperatures and circumstances allow, let your child be naked if he wants. When he does need to get (and stay) dressed, explain that people wear clothes outside of the house or when guests come over because their bodies are private. If he persists in public disrobing, try dressing him in togs that are harder to take off (i.e., shirts with small buttons, overalls, pants with a belt).

• Don't overreact (or even react at all). Acting horrified or punishing your little one will send the message that his body is something to be ashamed of. And if you laugh, he'll think, "Aha! Here's a way to get attention," and you'll set yourself up for repeat (strip-tease) performances.
• Provide opportunities for practice. Give your toddler a doll or stuffed animal with easy-on-and-off clothes and let him dress — and undress! — his toy to his heart's content. (Putting the clothes back on is always harder, so stick around to lend a helping hand.)