In case of need, a father may recite in front of his young daughter under the age of 11 even though she is not dressed modestly; but where possible, it is proper to be stringent.
Sources and Explanations
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 75:1) states that it is forbidden to say devarim shebikdushah (matters of holiness) in front of an uncovered tefach (handbreadth) of a woman, in a place that is normally covered, even if she is his wife.
Regarding a young girl, the Be’ur Halachah (s.v. Tefach) writes to be stringent from age three and up, since at that point she is fit for relations. The Chazon Ish (siman 16, ot 8) writes that since an uncovered tefach is not considered actual ervah (nakedness) (for the Torah forbade reciting holy words only in front of actual ervah, whereas the law of a tefach being ervah is only rabbinic), and it is forbidden only because of improper thoughts and distraction, it would therefore seem that wherever people do not pay attention to them because of their young age, it is permitted. Therefore, the measure is not according to their age but according to their youth and physical development. In Orchot Rabbeinu (Orach Chaim, p. 100), Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky shlita explained that this is from age seven and up.
However, although the Be’ur Halachah was stringent regarding a young girl, regarding a man’s own daughter the Be’ur Halachah there writes to be lenient until age 11, as we find in siman 73:4. And although the Or LeTzion was stringent regarding one’s daughter from age seven, the words of the Be’ur Halachah appear correct, for the basis of the prohibition is improper thoughts, and there are no improper thoughts regarding one’s young daughter. Furthermore, the Chazon Ish (siman 16, ot 7) writes to be lenient when one averts his gaze, since as long as he is not conscious of the ervah there is no prohibition.
From the sefer “Shaf Veyativ – Laws of Saying Tehillim” by Rabbi Shay Tahan, Chapter 4: Laws Concerning Those Who Say Tehillim, Halacha 6 (p. 51 in the print edition). Translated from the Hebrew original.
