When should my kids stop bathing together?
A lot of parents wonder when it’s time to start separating bath time between siblings.
There’s really no specific age that we recommend this, but there are several signs you can look for to help you determine when it might become appropriate.
Look for signs of modesty
Your children may become hesitant to undress and change in front of their siblings, or they may become reluctant to start bath time.
Increasing interest or preoccupation
Increasing interest or preoccupation with another siblings’ private parts or genitalia is another sign that it might be time to start separating baths.
Teach privacy
This is a good time to teach them about modesty and that their private parts are private. Anywhere a child’s bathing suit covers is only to be seen or touched by their parents or doctors. And that’s only to happen when they need help or are at a check-up.
Let them tell you they’re ready
When children are closer in age, they tend to be ready for this independence sooner than if one sibling is much younger than the other. You’ll probably notice around age 7 that they start establishing their independence in lots of areas, and bath time is one of the things they’re going to want to do alone. Around this time they won’t want you or their siblings around. It’s OK to be nearby in the event they need help.
I am glad this article was posted because I was just recently wondering when it will be time to stop shared bathing. I have a 2.5 year old and a 4.5 year old and so far they seem to be fine sharing the bath. Bath time is starting to get a little out of control though with all of the splashing around so I may just start bathing them separately before my oldest has a chance to say anything! 🙂