When are your babies/ toddlers too old to have a bath with you? I still bathe with my two year old daughter out of convience and naturally because we have loads of fun - but I'm curious to know when other parents stop doing this, because ofcourse there will soon be a time when it is no longer appropriate! Obviously, I am pretty lax about nudity - so will it scar her for life?!
I showered with my baby and he loved it. The only bad thing was that he was so slippery. I bought these sleeves from www.mommysembrace.com and it really helped me to keep a firm grip on him when he was soapy. I bought them for my sister and she loves them. she travels alot and says its a great alternative to bathing your kids in the hotel bathtub.
Hi Kate
My husband and I still bathe with our 5 1/2 year old daughter. She is curious, but knows about boys and girls having different private parts etc. She sometimes gets interested in the bits but soon loses interest. So keep bathing as a family bath can be quite fun, until I presume they want to stop getting into the bath with Mum or Dad.
Good question, I have showers with both my kids and so does their dad. I think my kids will let me know when they dont want to share the shower anymore, kids get to a certain age where they become aware of their body and start to be private. Keep having fun while it lasts!
TO BE OPEN AND BATH WITH YOU CHILD IS A SPECIAL THING. WE SET THE BOUNDARIES FOR OUR CHILDREN AND THEY LOOK TO US FOR ALL THEY NEED IN LIFE. THE CONFIDENCE THAT CAN BE GAINED FROM US HAVING A FREE AND OPEN ATTITUDE TO NUDITY IS INFINITE. CONFIDENCE BEGINS AT HOME AND WHEN COMBINED WITH MORALS OUR CHILDREN SHOULD DEVELOPE A RELATIONSHIP WITH US THAT IS TRUSTING AND HOPEFULLY WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT THEY NEED US THEY WILL COME TO US. I ALSO HOPE THAT THEY DON'T RUN OF TO A NUDIEST COLONY.
I personally come from a background where my mum didnt hide anything, we bathed together until I was about 5 or 6 only because there isnt enough room. I am bringing my twins up exactley the same way, I know everyone is different but personally it made me more comfortable with my body. But these days society has changed and now have to be carefull with everything you do so not to be seen as doing something bad. I say do what you feel comfortable with doing. Its your choice.
Hi, Though my daughter is only 7 months and we tried the shower thing together once and it was a minor disaster, my brother used to shower with his kids (4 years apart in age) up to when they started school (about age five). The first was a boy and then a girl and it was not only convenient but also gave them some bonding time together as he did this on coming home from work. It did open up the chanels of comunication in the way of genetalia but that I believe is healthy. If you have a "I'm not ashamed of my body" attitude with your child from an early age then I think it is only more likely that they will adopt a simular attitude for themselves and in this day and age I think that is a very good thing. You'll know in yourself when it no longer feels comfortable and sweet to share this time and your child will want his own space. Have a splash.
Thanks! Good comments/ advice from all. I certainly appreciate this being affirmed for me - I almost asked annomously!
One of my biggest concerns with raising a daughter is that she feels secure in who she is and has positive body image. Growing up, my sisters and I were uneducated about our bodies (ahem... "front-bum"!?!); and I am certain that lack of knowledge leads to confusion, shame and insecurities. Our poor parents were probably too embarrased to talk about it!
Though my husband would never-in-a-million-years bathe with our daughter (too weird for him), We plan to be very open and approachable, and communicate with our daughter and answer any questions she has. Parents often lament that they cannot talk to their teenagers - I believe it's gotta start at the very beginning (this goes for all topics - so why not get one of the hardest ones right out there from the get-go?!). If we call body parts by their propper name, and educate our children about their bodies, I think that it helps to give them ownership of themselves and helps them to define necessary boundaries with others.
I will follow my daughters cues in the meanwhile, and stop bathing together either when it feels weird, or when the tub gets too small!
That is a good question, one I hadn't even thought of. Our daughter is 2 and 7 months and she still showers with both of us. Not sure when we will stop but very interested in other people's comments. I guess it will be when it feels not right.
I don't think there is a certain age where this practice should stop. For me, I stopped when I started feeling uncomfortable with it (which was much sooner with my boy...so many questions!). It is a matter of personal preference. Just follow your instincts and you'll know when it is time. Best of luck!
You should do what you feel comfortable with. When I grew up we lived on a farm with very little water. We (our whole family) tag teamed through the shower to save water. I don't think I have been scarred.
My kids always come in the shower with us and hog all the water! It is great if you are comfortable and confident in your own skin because it is great example to your children. It is also essential that they learn about their bodies in a safe trusting environment so they don't grow up confused or nervous. It is also important to respect them when they go through certain stages of development that they will not want you to see them nude and they wont want to see you either!
I think really its up to you and what you and your daughter are comfortable with. If you decide to stop bathing with her she should still be supervised. I agree, it is more fun to bath together, but it still can be fun if your on the otherside of the tub, as long as your prepared to still get wet!!
I still share having shower/bath with my 15 months old daughter and sometimes with my 4 years old son. I might stop with my son when he reach 6 years old, but with daughter I thought either I'll stop when she's 6 or 7, or she might want to stop sharing sooner. Who knows? regarding nudity, I told my son that this sharing thing only happen with myself and my husband. So he understand only us family is alright to see him nude but not others. Basically, we give explanations...even body parts when he asks some questions.
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Hi,
