Childhood Is It Acceptable For A 6 Year Old Boy To Bathe With His Mother?

[therapybankrupt]

I do not know how to feel about this. My nephew claims he takes a bath with his mom. What are your thoughts?

 

[therapybankrupt]

He is in first grade.

 

[rainbow1]

I don't see anything wrong with it. My nephew quite often jumps in the bath with his mum and he is 7. She would much rather have a bath in peace and quiet but thats pretty tough with 3 kids running around!

 

[Lucycat]

It would make me nervous, but I know my perspective is warped. The problem is we tend to judge from our own experience.

I guess the fact that it is not a secret means that he has not been told to keep quiet. That has to be good.

 

[Chrissyy]

I don't really think it's a problem to be honest, I know quite a lot of young kids who bathe with their parents.

 

[cherryblossom]

I really don't see an issue. I agree with BL . . .

I guess the fact that it is not a secret means that he has not been told to keep quiet. That has to be good.

 

[therapybankrupt]

Thanks everyone!

 

[friend to most]

I know of some boys or even girls who do it at that age

 

[miss_isolated]

I don't think it's okay if I'm honest. I wouldn't say anything to her though. You never know what effects it will have on the grown adult.

I just think bathing is a private thing to do like going to the toilet. I personally wouldn't if I had children.

If it's a baby that's at breast feeding age in a shower then it's not as bad but when the child is old enough to be aware it's too weird and I think it's totally creepy that they get to see their parents privates and their the opposite sex from them so it's even worse.

If it was a father bathing with his daughter there would be outrage, I don't see how it's any different for a mother and son.

 

[catjudo]

I do not think it is appropriate. There is a time when children are very young when I think this is okay. But by the age of 6 and in first grade, this is no longer age appropriate. I do understand that our views are colored by our own past, however I have friends who do not have the same type of trauma history that I do and who did allow their children to bathe together or with them even to an older age than I allowed my own child, but by that age/grade they too had ceased that activity as no longer appropriate. That being said, I don't think it necessarily means that there is something abusive going on...just poor boundaries and a no longer age-appropriate choice.

 

[Nicolette]

If it's a baby that's at breast feeding age

Actually, on a side note, breast feeding age is a contentious issue as I know of mothers still breast feeding at the age of 6 and beyond and it makes me cringe. Why, I don't know.

As for the bathing age, if you are poor, conserving water etc I still don't even think it's appropriate as we used to have to take baths in turn in the same bath water when I was growing up... I have no history to form my judgement, I just think it's not right and have no reason other than just that.......

 

[miss_isolated]

Ugh! Nicolette I know what you mean. Breast feeding far beyond the proper age is just abnormal. Women get away with so much and it's hard for me to admit that. Especially things involving children.

My brother and I shared a bath and a room just fine up until puberty. So it would've been weird to bathe with my mum or dad.

I mean what is the point? Why go out of your way to expose your genitalia to your children??