Opposite sex bath time

Posted by Barbara F. Meltz  August 15, 2011 06:00 AM
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I have a 4 year old daughter and a 2 year old son. I currently bath them together because (a) it's easier for me to combine bath time and (b) they play well together and have fun together in the bath. At what age is it no longer appropriate for siblings of different genders to bath together? Thanks.
From: Momof2, Small Town, NH


Hi MomOf2,

At some point, she: (a) will announce that she's too grown up to take a bath with a "baby;" (b) doesn't want to be naked with her brother; (c) seems uncomfortable with her brother's nakedness, or with his curiosity about hers. That could happen at the next bath time or not for years. In other words, when opposite sex nakedness is developmentally inappropriate, you'll know it because the kids will tell you.

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3 comments so far...

  1. I may be old fashioned, but i think the very least you young moms and dads can do @ the end of your busy day, is let the children have their own clean bath water! I don't think either of you would like to share bath water with anyone GROSS..

    Posted by GMA OF 7 MOM OF 4 August 14, 11 01:09 PM

  1. my kids shared a bath and it was so much easier and they told me when they didn't want to anymore

    Posted by nikki August 15, 11 01:32 PM

  1. Reading gmaof7s post I'm perplexed by her thinking that is old fashioned to bathe your kids together. I am 50 and my brother and I were bathed together! In any event I agree with Barbara--they'll let you know!

    Posted by ash August 16, 11 07:33 AM
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About the author

Barbara F. Meltz is a freelance writer, parenting consultant, and author of "Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Understanding How Your Children See the World." She won several awards for her weekly "Child Caring" column in the Globe, including the 2008 American Psychological Association Print Excellence award. Barbara is available as a speaker for parent groups.

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