I have a 5 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. I am thinking now is the time to stop and my wife says its too early.
2007-10-29 12:59:27 · 30 answers · asked by Deryk E 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Unless the kids hate it or seem uncomfortable, I don't see any reason to stop. If they're not having fun together and you're doing it for convenience, then ok, separate. If they're having fun, let them have fun!
Whether or not they shower or bathe together, they are going to know about the private parts of the opposite sex, so just because they discuss the other child's private parts is no reason to separate. They will discuss this regardless of whether or not they bathe together.
My kids used to discuss the private parts when they were younger, but are way past that now. We have a big shower and when they shower together, they have a blast! Cups of water, spray fights, washing stuffed animals. A mess -- yes! Tons of fun -- yes! Private parts discussion -- old news!
2007-10-29 13:15:22 · answer #1 · answered by Liza 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
When they begin to question sexuality or be interested in it. Since the girl is 5 and the boy is 3 there is no big deal in continuing for now, but within the year it needs to stop. If the boy starts asking a lot of questions about the differences it is probably time to stop the bathing together and explain the differences the way you wish. Also there will come a time and probably very soon that the girl starts to become uncomfortable with this bathing habit and wish for more privacy. Over all it depends on the children.
2007-10-29 13:18:47 · answer #2 · answered by mandyb 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Whenever the child is noticing the other one's private parts. Curiosity is okay but don't foster any experimentation. My kids are 5, 3, 2, and 9 months and it's hard to bathe everyone. My 3 and 2 year old still bathe together but my 5 year old started needing to be on his own last year. It depends on the child.
2007-10-29 15:21:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When either becomes uncomfortable or shy. Meaning they have become aware of the differences and are aware that certain areas are 'private' areas. When either becomes too interested (and I DO NOT mean in a sexual way) in the differences and is often making comments about the differences an such. Then it's time to give a very basic talk to the one who is noticing the differences and take separate baths.
Three years old is not big deal....I am not sure on the five year old. Depends on her maturity I guess. Personally I think five is getting to be the max.
2007-10-29 13:04:50 · answer #4 · answered by ~~∞§arah T∞©~~ 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Age aside, there's a space consideration. At this point, the bathtub is probably getting pretty small for your two kids. If it's not too small, and the kids are having fun, then I see no problem with it. If the kids complain because they're getting squashed, and it's not a happy time, then have them bathe on their own.
If you have a larger bath, or a shower that they can use, have them bath in that. They'll have a great time.
I don't think you need to be worried about the kids wondering about the other ones "private parts". Kids wonder about that a lot, and not just when they're in the bath. Unless you are prepared to have them dress in separate rooms for the rest of their lives, you will have to deal with them seeing each other naked. Not really a big deal. They see each other naked, they're curious, then they get over it. No big deal unless you make it a big deal.
Unless one of the kids is becoming modest, or clearly wants his or her own private time in the shower, I don't see any reason to make them take their own if they're having fun.
2007-10-29 16:51:04 · answer #5 · answered by YN 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My mother and I still bathe my two little cousins Rhaeanne and Mikey together. They are brother and sister. Mikey is 5 almost 6 and Rhaeanne and 3. We don't do it as often as we used to. We're starting to quit having them take baths together. Although its so much easier and quicker when you need to go somewhere. I'd stop bathing them together now. At least before The girl gets into 1st grade.
2007-10-29 13:09:51 · answer #6 · answered by Buble.Pop.Electric 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 28 should be the cut off.
Just kidding, you are correct by my estimation. 5 is getting a little old. The most important thing is to come to an agreement with your wife and leave the Yahoo answers forum out of it. You, your wife and children will have to live with these decisions not the people on the Internet.
2007-10-29 13:05:43 · answer #7 · answered by Celestine C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think when children are old enough to go to school, they are then a bit too old for group bathing. They mingle with other children and become somewhat curious about the human body at that age. But your wife knows the children, and she probably has not noticed any signs of body awareness. At their age, it's not really critical, but wise to watch for anyway.
2007-10-29 13:03:39 · answer #8 · answered by mia2kl2002 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I have 2 kids, aged 4 and 1 and I do not bathe them together at all anymore because as soon as my 4 year old son began to understand private parts and he was interested in them, I thought it was time to start bathing them seperately. My mother did the same w/me and my brother. So that's my opinion!
2007-10-29 13:02:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
It probably is about time but just notice if she is starting to notice and if she is asking questions about why they are different. She is only a child so it's no big deal but if she starts asking, it is a good time to separate them. Don't ever let her feel ashamed of her body though, just tell her she is getting big enough to have her own bath-time.
2007-10-29 13:30:38 · answer #10 · answered by Ava 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋