My wife got into the habit of putting our 1 year old son in the shower with me to bathe because it was easier. Now he's 3.5 and he still loves hopping in the tub or shower with me but I feel like I should be in a bathing suit now. Sometimes I wear a bathing suit! My wife says, 'he's use to it so he shouldn't be uncomfortable.' I'm just worried about it being inappropriate now.
2007-06-22 16:26:24 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
my nepew is four and he showers alone and it's easy because he's getting to that 'independent' age....
however, me and my daughter have made showering a bonding event for us (though she's only 1.5)....
i read an article about jada pinkett-smith in a recent RedBook, and she bathes with her daughter who looks to be about 5...she calls them Goddess Baths and it's a bonding event for her and her daughter...so i guess it's just up to you....if it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it....but more parents than you are aware of, bathe and shower with their kids within the limits of a moral, appropriate, and totally innocent bonding experience. besides, what kids know about sex and appropriate behavior, they should be learning from YOU.
furthermore, i think it's our sexually charged society that makes things like this so taboo, so to speak, when really it's a very natural thing.
-hbb
2007-06-22 16:48:01 · answer #1 · answered by hot black babe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's too old, but the proper response at the time would have been, "Hector, those are Mommy's private parts, and we don't touch other people's private parts." If he asks more, you can continue the discussion by explaining exactly which parts are private (including giving their proper names). You can also explain that sometimes Mommy or Daddy may need to touch his penis or bottom to help him clean off or that a doctor may need to in order to examine him, but other than that, only he can touch his own private parts. My 3-year-old still sees me naked when I'm changing clothes, getting in/out of shower, etc., and he has showered with me at least once in the last month. All 3 of my children (3-yo boy, 6-yo girl, 7-yo girl) still bathe together most nights, and they run around naked while getting ready for bed or getting dressed in the morning. It's simply not a big deal. I also remember showering with my dad and brother whenever we were in a hurry, so I was probably 5 years old or so at the time. Again, it wasn't a big deal. Do whatever you're comfortable with.
2016-04-01 00:13:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He'll let you know when it's inappropriate. He's start asking a lot of questions or even grabbing at your penis. That's what my sons did at about 4-5 with my husband. If you don't want to wait then just stop now. Let 'em know that you'll still be in the bathroom with him but big boys shower/bathe alone. Make it exciting! Best wishes...
2007-06-22 16:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya know, we live in a strange society. There is nothing inherently wrong with nudity- only that so many people seem to think it's all about sex. It's not! I've been a nudist for many years- I'm 53 and a woman. Nothing sexual about it at all- and if you've never been to a nudist club, you don't know. Two of my 3 daughters have come with me and my oldest grandson was practically raised at a club until we moved when he was 6. Kids raised around nudity don't think much about it. No one in my household has a hang-up about being nude in front of any of the rest of us- no big deal. So, if you thinks it's normal and ok than it is, and your son will also be ok with it. If you have a hang up about it, he'll learn that the body is something to hide and be ashamed of. It's not something you can fake, so for you, it seems it's time for separate bathing.
2007-06-22 17:07:48 · answer #4 · answered by nanny411 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You seem to be uncomfortable so you should start weeing him like you do children of all things there are some cool children shower head there a little price but children love them I got the elephant head for my son because he like to shower with his Dad.This is very normal so make a game out of the new shower head but if he ask to shower with you allow it for now Enjoy these special time while you can and if wearing swimming trunks would make you feel better both of you put on some trunks and hit the shower and should be able to use a washcloth and wash himself there do you it and he will copy you.
2007-06-22 16:49:11 · answer #5 · answered by Tammy R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First....no inappropriateness...you are father and son.
Second...How old?...as long as you are capable of having to take a bath :)
No joke.
1. If your son gets used to it, the only "awkward feeling" is with you, so only you will know when is the time.
2. Do you think that Saunas doesn't have "Father/Grandfather and Son/s" customer? (this is related to my answer on "how old")
3. What's the difference of Showering and Saunas, in relation to your "uncomfortable" concern, right?
2007-06-22 16:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by Israel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, I dont really know how I feel about this. I kind of agree with her, Its natural to your son, its just what hes used to. BUT I dont think that he should be 10 or even 13 showering with you.
I guess once you start to get uncomfortable (now) its time to call it quits.
I too had my daughter start showing with me because it was just easier but now shes 3.5 and I think she should be getting into her own routine. I shower at random times, usually when I have a couple extra minutes and we always bathe her at night, before bed.
2007-06-22 17:32:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would start letting him bathe by himself, with your supervision of course. I know my daughter is almost 2 and notices the difference in body parts. I can understand where your coming from. Explain to her that you feel it's inappropriate and that he needs to learn to bathe without you. He should be enjoying splashing in the tub with toys.
2007-06-22 16:35:29 · answer #8 · answered by Lil's Mommy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 6-7 is WAY too old. I think your instincts are right. To say he's 'used' to it isn't really true, becuase as he grows and becomes more in tune to everything, he's understanding more and more. It's just not necessary at this point to shower with him. The convience factor is no longer there. Let him splash in the tub. Would she be comfortable with him in the shower with her?
2007-06-22 18:12:34 · answer #9 · answered by misskenjr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he doesnt say anything then u should b fine for a while but when he says it is getting kind of uncomfortable then u can stop and take ur own showers/baths
2007-06-22 16:34:42 · answer #10 · answered by mestealthy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋