Bathing with my toddler? Not strange at all. What is bizarre, though, is how some people choose to sexualize a completely ordinary activity. How did we, as a society, reach a point where we can see provocative ads featuring adult film stars and, in the next breath, criticize a parent for simply sharing a bath with their little one? Seriously, Internet, you’ve had too much to drink.
When it comes to bathing babies and toddlers, many parents find it much easier than bending over a tub. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for moms and dads to bond and have fun with their kids. This practice is just as natural and loving as breastfeeding or co-sleeping—it’s about nurturing, not anything inappropriate.
What Other Parents Are Saying
Don’t just take my word for it; here’s what some other parents have shared:
“My partner and I both bathed with our son until he was around 4 years old. We wanted him to feel good about his body and understand that it’s normal to look different than those on TV and in magazines. Plus, it helped him learn about hygiene.” — Mia
“We still shower with my nearly 6-year-old son. It’s the only way he gets clean! The one of us who is showering takes him in and keeps an eye on him. My 8-year-old has been showering solo for almost two years now; he decided he was ready.” — Jake
“My 4-year-old daughter occasionally asks to bathe with me, but she enjoys her alone time too! Since the arrival of baby number two, we often find all three of us in the tub. My eldest loves helping wash her baby sister! My husband wears swim shorts if she wants to join him for a splash, and she always puts on her swimsuit too!” — Clara
“I regularly bathe with my 2-year-old daughter. We splash around, play, and she’s learned how to wash her own hair, which she prefers over me doing it for her. I’m not sure when we’ll stop; it’s never crossed my mind.” — Lisa
“My 4-year-old and 2-year-old jump in the shower with me whenever they like. I’ll know it’s time to stop when they start feeling awkward about it!” — Mark
None of these parents mentioned anything inappropriate or expressed embarrassment about sharing a bath with their little ones. Why? Because it’s a routine part of parenting.
It seems that those with the most controversial opinions often hide behind anonymity, making parenting more challenging for the rest of us. Now, we find ourselves defending simple parenting choices like circumcision, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and yes, bathing with our babies. Why does this have to be anyone else’s concern?
Kudos to all the parents out there who refuse to let Negative Nancys dictate how they raise their children. Often, these critics don’t even have kids, or they’re just judgmental know-it-alls.
Anyway, I must go—my 3-year-old is demanding a bath, which means it’s playtime for us!
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Summary
Bathing with your toddler is a perfectly normal and beneficial practice that fosters bonding and teaches hygiene. Despite societal misconceptions, many parents embrace this routine without any feelings of awkwardness. It’s time to celebrate the joys of parenting without judgment.