I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter & an almost 2 year old son.. My daughter & him have been bathing together since he could sit up in the tub.They love playing together & there hasn't been any "questions" because we've always been up front with our children from the get-go that girls have vaginas & boys have penis'. It's just how our bodies are made... Nothing has ever seemed abnormal to me, but my friend tells me the other day that they are too old to be bathing together & it was disgusting.. Is this true? When are they too old?
2007-07-23 07:36:20 · 19 answers · asked by lishapoo36 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I think the key thing to keep in mind is are the children doing well in this situation.
If the answer is yes, then I don't see any point in changing things.
While I understand the point that some people are making about your daughter's privacy, if she is comfortable bathing with her little brother than there is no issue. Obviously when she starts asking for privacy or to bathe alone, that is when you make the change. But for now, there is no reason to disturb the happiness they have during this time.
I think if independence is a concern, the easiest thing to do is have her be independent while in the tub with her brother. Whether by herself or with him, she can still wash up by herself and do independent tasks; that has nothing to do with whether or not her brother is sitting there with her. Plus, that could even benefit him because he would probably want to do the same and start becoming more independent as well.
I think you are absolutely fine in what you are doing.
Your children seem to be happy and safe and emotionaly okay with the situation, and that's what matters.
2007-07-23 07:58:29 · answer #1 · answered by Jessica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I have three girls , 9, 7, 3 they still shower together . but I just telling the 9 yrs old daughter to shower by herself. I have the other two together so that older one can help the little one . but I think it's about time for you to have them bath seperate because the 5 1/2 years old enough when she goes to school she might shew and tell her classemates that she's still taking a bath with her brother . You know kids are very honest and they tell anything to teachers or friends. so for her to feel comfortable i think you should give them bath separately.
2007-07-23 14:45:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I've wondered the same thing, and guessed when the older child is around 7 or 8. My husband and I sometimes take baths or showers with our 3 year old daughter and we've always worn a bathing suit or trunks. That's another option for bathtime if you want to keep giving them baths together but think it's starting to become inappropriate.
2007-07-23 14:42:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my daughter is 6 1/2 and my son is 3. Up until reading your question I never considered it inappropriate. They never pay each other any intimate attention just play like brother and sister. So I will continue to bath them together until that behaviour changes or my daughter wants to be bathed on her own - which I'm sure will happen sooner or later.
2007-07-23 14:45:50 · answer #4 · answered by Rachel G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might have to bathe them separately soon. kids get independence as time passes and of course a 5 yr. old it's not like a 2 yr. old. Soon your daughter might need some 'privacy'. It's not disgusting that's the way a lot of ignorants think but it's about your kids growing and learning. just do it as something new for her and next she'll be dressing herslef on her own too. you're the mother, so don't let ppl decide the way you raise your children or what you teach them.
2007-07-23 14:42:35 · answer #5 · answered by ~Damy~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i say its time to get them separated, if they want to play in the bathtub together, let them stay in a t-shirt and underwear and then separate them so that they can finish bathing by themselves. My mom is a preschool teacher and she's told me quite a few times that some boys and girls are really into sexual exploration at this age. Just tell your girl that she's a big girl now and that big girls bathe by themselves. Its not that they are going to do anything, but you want to prevent and show your girl respect of her body from a young age.
2007-07-23 14:45:31 · answer #6 · answered by YE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think it's too old but i was told the same thing because i had my sons talking a bath together at ages 4 and 6. I now separate them but i didn't see a problem with it.. i just wanted to make sure i gave them their own privacy and now they like baths alone.
2007-07-23 14:42:21 · answer #7 · answered by Heather 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Now is the time to stop. u probably should of stopped before she got older i know the baby doesnt know the difference but the girl does and that is where it should end. as far the baby goes he could bathe with her and as long as u are comfortable with it dont worry what other people think. have a good day and enjoy your children....
2007-07-23 15:51:02 · answer #8 · answered by THE UK WILDCAT FAMILY 10 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 5 1/2 is a good time to start transitioning your daughter to taking baths by herself. Not because I think it is nasty, but because she is at school age and needs to start learning about responsiblity (washing herself) and privacy. I teach kindergarten and this is really helpful when kids are more independent.
2007-07-23 14:41:30 · answer #9 · answered by MrsKat 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First, i commend you on being so open with your babies.
On your question. I dont think it is disgusting persae but it maybe time to teach your daughter, especially, that little girls should have privacy.
your little boy wont understand but your daughter is getting to that age of curiosity. You dont want her to think that it is ok to bathe with any little boy that have penis'.
that is my advice. But dont ever let yor friend talk down like that about yor parenting skills. Tell her/him to grow up.
2007-07-23 14:45:25 · answer #10 · answered by darcanjle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋