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Original poster

Is it ok for a 9 year old boy and 6 year old sister to share a bath?

159 replies

ilovemynewjumper · 18/03/2023 20:45

Just that really. Prompted by another thread. It's got me thinking. Mine still share and seem very happy about it. But maybe I need to stop it. Thoughts?

NB 9 year old very young for his age (and only just turned 9)

OP posts:
ChildminderMum · 18/03/2023 20:46

Probably time to start giving the 9 year old more privacy.

NillyNoMates · 18/03/2023 20:47

No

Original poster
ilovemynewjumper · 18/03/2023 20:47

ChildminderMum · 18/03/2023 20:46

Probably time to start giving the 9 year old more privacy.

It would be more of a case of making him have more privacy at the moment. He's totally unphased by being naked around close family.

OP posts:

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Dogs4Ever · 18/03/2023 20:48

I think it's entirely dependent on how they both feel about it. Mine wouldn't but that's because they each hog a bath, one like bubbles, one doesn't, one likes a super hot bath, the other likes it cooler... Apart from that they'd be happy to share!

8MinutesToSunrise · 18/03/2023 20:48

If they're happy to share I think it's totally fine

VisitationRights · 18/03/2023 20:48

No, it is not okay. Both children deserve their privacy.

Lunabetty · 18/03/2023 20:49

No

Cas112 · 18/03/2023 20:50

No

Mum2jenny · 18/03/2023 20:51

If they are ok to share, I don’t see a problem.

SnowAndFrostOutside · 18/03/2023 20:52

No. Changing rooms quite commonly has a policy saying no children over 8 of the opposite sex.

He might not see it yet but it’s time to separate them in baths but not make a big thing of it.

Nailsandthesea · 18/03/2023 20:53

No at 9 mine needed privacy

InTheFutilityRoomEatingBiscuits · 18/03/2023 20:54

Yes, if they are OK with it.

when they are not, then of course no.

mine have shared at those types of ages and enjoyed it.

one of mine at age 10 likes privacy for changing (taking clothes off and putting on) but is fine with me being in the room when they are actually in the bath (to help with hair etc)

As long as you give them the choice of course, it’s fine.

BloodyThursday · 18/03/2023 20:56

I have two girls and when the oldest was 7 she started wanting a bath alone. I'd say definitely a no from me.

Loraloralaughs · 18/03/2023 20:57

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Badbudgeter · 18/03/2023 20:57

I personally think it’s a bit old. Do you have a massive bath though. I stopped my twin girls sharing at age 6 as apparently there wasn’t room for them and bath water.

Liorae · 18/03/2023 21:01

VisitationRights · 18/03/2023 20:48

No, it is not okay. Both children deserve their privacy.

If they want it. Not all people live by British body fear.

CiderJolly · 18/03/2023 21:03

Not at 9, no. I don’t think your typical 9 year old boy would be happy to share with his sister.

Cas112 · 18/03/2023 21:03

@Liorae it's not about body fear.. it's dangerous, I know no one likes to think like that but children shouldn't be sharing as they start getting older

GobbieMaggie · 18/03/2023 21:04

NO.

TomatoSandwiches · 18/03/2023 21:04

No, 9 is a good age to start talking about changes to bodies,.privacy, autonomy etc and getting him in a routine of having a shower, washing his own hair etc setting a decent hygiene habit before the moody teen years come along.

mackthepony · 18/03/2023 21:05

I have two exactly same age and sex and no, they do not share a bath. And we have a huge spa bath too so it's definitely possible.

GymNewbie · 18/03/2023 21:06

No. At 9 he should be bathing /showering alone. He should also not need much help if at all to Wash hair and get himself in and out.
From 8/9 ds used to run his bath etc too.

Cantbebothered90 · 18/03/2023 21:06

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Readingtheworld · 18/03/2023 21:06

My children are the same age & sex as yours OP and still share when they want to. Mainly they take it in turns to wear goggles and ‘swim’ under the water and write made up words with the bath letters on the wall. They are not touching each other inappropriately.

IncessantNameChanger · 18/03/2023 21:06

My 8 and 11 year old B/ G do. As long as they are happy. The 11 yo boy has learning difficulties so he is more like a five year old. I'm not sure his older brothers wanted even me in the bathroom at that age.