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Original poster

How old for bathing kids

24 replies

TheSunshineLover · 15/05/2017 19:40

Sorry not an AIBU, just wanting a few opinions.

How old do you think is the right age to stop sharing a bath with your DC?

DS is 2.5 and just starting to try to grab things he shouldn't so think it may be time.

OP posts:
harderandharder2breathe · 15/05/2017 19:50

When you or they feel it's time to stop is the right time imo

If you're no longer happy to share then don't. No need to worry about it or feel guilty.

Diel · 15/05/2017 19:50

Think it depends on the child/adult and how comfortable both are. I share with my dd age 4 sometimes and think that's fine for us. Ds was younger when we stopped because he wanted lots of space to play

FreeSpiritJen · 15/05/2017 19:52

Subjective. But 2.5 isn't too old.

I think (as a woman) I would stop at 5 if it was a son and about 6-7 if it was a girl.

Wouldn't judge folk who bathe with older kids though ... Each to their own.

Crumbs1 · 15/05/2017 20:07

When they or you want to. Mine used to climb in at every opportunity for a chat. Sometimes they'd sit on edge and paddle feet but they'd certainly jump in until 6/7 some older.

DubiousCredentials · 15/05/2017 20:13

When either one of you no longer feels comfortable doing it anymore. Or puberty, whichever comes first.

Sparklingbrook · 15/05/2017 20:15

I never started. Bath time was me time.

But when one of you feels uncomfortable then it's time.

Allthewaves · 15/05/2017 20:27

My 8 year old is getting a little shy but still likes to have a bath with his dad at weekends. Poor dh doesn't get a choice with our 6 and 4 yr old, as soon as they realise he's in the bath its clothes off and in they dive lol

Blimey01 · 15/05/2017 20:30

My DS was about 6/7 but that wasn't out of embarrassment. We both couldn't fit in comfortably any more!

daddyorscience · 15/05/2017 20:33

I still sit in the bathroom with DS (5)/DD (7), and often get dragged into the shower so they can wash me/my hair, or cover me in shaving foam. They don't grab etc, but DS does so love pointing and "haha, Willy!".. But then, he does in the changing room at swimming. Bless 'im.

TheMasterNotMargarita · 15/05/2017 20:38

9 year old DD still likes an occasional bath with her old mum.
It's a lovely quiet time to chat together if a bit cramped.
I'm happy if she is...it'll end soon enough.
Not sure about DS though he's only 8 months.I'd bet I'll not get a bath in peace for a few years yet!

OhDearToby · 15/05/2017 20:38

I still share with my 7yo dd1! As I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant there isn't much room (especially if dd2 jumps in as well) but she loves it.

It's personal preference though I guess. We are very open about nudity and dd1 is one of those children who doesn't wear clothes so definitely not shy about her body yet.

fannydaggerz · 15/05/2017 20:40

I was in the bath with my 5.5 year old tonight.

kitkatspiderrat · 15/05/2017 20:50

my 6 and 9year olds would jump in with me now given the chance but since i have my bath like molten lava they cant. if its not too hot and im feeling nice they do

coldflange · 15/05/2017 20:55

DS used to strip off and jump in with me up until he was around 8.

jarhead123 · 15/05/2017 21:05

I never started. Always seemed a bit weird to me. But I'd say 2/3

WashBasketsAreUs · 15/05/2017 21:27

My girls used to come in the bathroom, sit on the loo and chat until they left home! And the dogs would come in as well. We only had a small bathroom and it was like party central in there some nights. Also i used to go in and chat to them when they were in the bath or shower; in fact when they come here and I'm in the bath they have no hesitation in popping in for a chat.

arethereanyleftatall · 15/05/2017 21:31

I still Bath with my 8.5 year old daughter. She enjoys it.

Lollyb86 · 15/05/2017 21:33

DD 3.5 still shares with both me and DH. While everyone is atill.comfortable with it we will carry on

Writerwannabe83 · 15/05/2017 21:37

What's being grabbed?? Grin

My DS is 3years 2months and we still bath together - I'm not sure why it would be weird?

My sister bathed with her children until they were about 6/7. They are now aged 8 and 11 and although they don't share a bath with her they still sit in the bathroom whilst my sister bathes and chat away with her.

starsinspring · 15/05/2017 21:38

Not something I've ever done.

starsinspring · 15/05/2017 21:38

These threads always get a bit daft though.

peaceloveandbiscuits · 15/05/2017 22:13

2.5yo DS dictates whether or not we're allowed to share with him these days. I think it depends on whether he wants room to "swim" (stretch out on his tummy - he takes up the whole bath!). Certainly no shame or embarrassment around nudity yet. Not sure what we'll do when new baby arrives... probably won't be room for me or DH anymore!

SomewhatIdiosyncratic · 15/05/2017 22:21

I'm still getting gatecrashed by my 4&6 year olds. If they're happy, I'm happy. Well, I'd rather bathe in peace, but I'm comfortable that they're comfortable with mutual nudity.

booellesmum · 15/05/2017 22:25

With mine it naturally tailed off until they were about 7/8 - but by that age it wasn't every bath time, just occasionally.
It was more about room really to start with.

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