Bathing w/ your child. Opinion?

[happybratpack]

OK, I'll try to phrase this so it doesn't sound weird. We had a big debate in the office today at lunch over this, I don't even know how it came up...I have a friend that has a 2.5 year old girl that showers/takes a bubble bath w/ her mom. I hadn't given it any thought really, but the consensus here is that she shouldn't be doing it and that times are different from when I was a child. (early 70's) I remember taking baths w/ my mom when I was little, but I don't remember what age. I never gave a thought to it being a problem, (maybe I'm naive) but would you consider this a no-no?

 

[Minnesota!]

It kind of skeeves me out. I have taken 1 bath with DS - he was about 2 months old. Never again.

 

[Bob Slydell]

It wouldn't be a big deal to me. My 5 year old DS has showered with me in the past when we're pressed for time and both needing to take a shower. Normally, he takes his shower at night, but that's not always possible, so there's days when he hops in the shower with me.

 

[disykat]

At 2 1/2, I don't really see the big deal. I figure when they start getting real curious about private parts, then it's time to stop. My sons occasionally showered with their dad until well past preschool age.

 

[CEDmom]

I only went in the tub once with DD and that was when she was 9 months old and afraid of the tub (we were in a hotel). A few times I took her in the shower because we both needed a quick rinsing off and I didn't want to bother with a bath for her and a shower for me. I don't think at 2 1/2 it's a big deal that a mom does that. By 4 or so though I think it needs to end.

 

[Poohgirl]

I see no problem with it....

 

[Mari annie]

No biggie!

When my kids were that age I had to, having 2 small ones and then being home and taking care of them and the house finally after doing everything run and jump in the shower, putting everyone in, so that you can get washed
although it's only almost lunch time-remember those days?!
Glad they are gone!!!!

Society places to much emphasis on things. Do what's best for you.
They are our children.

2 WEEKS AND COUNTING TO SEE THE MICK!

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I never showered or bathed with my sons. I don't recommend it, either.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I used to take baths with oldest DD, until she was about 1 1/2, and I was pregnant with DD#2, and DD#1 pooped in the tub, which really kind of did me in with the co-bathing. So, it's hard for me to judge what age would feel OK for me, since I didn't do it past 1 1/2 with DD, and NEVER after that experience with the other kids, but I'm thinking 2 1/2 is just fine. DH did shower with DS when DS first started taking showers, to be sure the darn kid actually WASHED.

 

[luvmydogs]

I see no problem with it. A 2.5 yr. old certainly does not sexualize body parts at such a young age.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

No big deal to me at all. I wasn't into bathing/showering with any of my kids because I didn't have the coordination to do it without dropping them. BTW, I didn't actually drop anyone, just felt like I would. My DH has showered with our kids, including our DD when she was a baby and young toddler. He did it with our boys until they were older. No biggy at all. And in general we are modest around the house in front of our kids.

 

[disneydave2003]

would you consider this a no-no?

yup, i consider it a no no

 

[lulugirl]

I don't think it's a big deal.

 

[ReneeA]

Both DH & I have stuck the kids in the shower with us to rinse off quick when they were toddlers. I don't think it matters at that age...


ReneeA

 

[MamaLema]

no big deal at 2 1/2

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I rarely shower with DD any more, but we did it up until DS was born. It's a body. Someday she will look like her Mommy. She sees me BFing. She saw me give birth. She is sometimes in the room when I get dressed. I understand comfort levels are different, but in general it's not a big deal.

 

[jennyl772003]

I showered with my son when he was a toddler. I don't see any problem with it. I was going to get soaked bathing him anyway, so why not get myself clean also? Plus, my son liked showers, and they are quicker then baths, but he was too young to take them himself. I think there is a point where the child is too old for it, but 2.5 isn't it.

 

[mudnuri]

Shesh...my dd's see me walk from my bathroom to my bedroom naked when I get out of the shower....they've been known to sit on my bed talking to me while I'm getting dressed.....They come in the bathroom when I'm in the shower, (almost clear curtain)...and some nights they get in the shower as I'm getting out....the shower never shuts off.

I dont see a big deal with it, but then again, I dont have a big "hide my body from my daughters" complex either!

Brandy

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I think once a child becomes aware of another's sexuality, it's time for some privacy. I think it can be confusing for the child.

 

[mickeyboat]

I rarely shower with DD any more, but we did it up until DS was born. It's a body. Someday she will look like her Mommy. She sees me BFing. She saw me give birth. She is sometimes in the room when I get dressed. I understand comfort levels are different, but in general it's not a big deal.

Same here. We don't make a huge deal about our bodies, although we are becoming more modest now that the kids are getting a little older - moreso DH than me (we have two DD's), and we respect their desire for privacy if they request it.

DH bathed with our girls when they were really small. It was a lot easier to have him hop in with them than to sit and lean over the edge of the tub for the entire bath. Plus it gave Mom a couple of minutes of peace in the evenings.

Denae