Bathing boys and girls together

[amandajane]

DS is 4 and DD is 2. She is thouroughly ammused by his penis. Its not like every night but maybe twice a week. We have told him not to encourage her and he quite proudly tells her its his and its precious. But I am wondering when should I be bathing them separately? I would appreciate any thoughts.

[Baby Girl]

As long as he is not uncomfortable with it then I don't think it is a problem. In time, she will get used to it and won't take any notice at all - hopefully!!

[Ana Gram]

I think your son and daughter have the right attitude. She already thinks a penis is hilarious and he thinks it is precious and they aren't even in double digits yet!

I think they will be fine but it is important for us as parents not to make a negative thing out of the naked bodies as it can lead to poor self image and negative associations with sex.

[Ky]

I bath my kids together and will for another couple of years yet.

It is good for them to know the difference between boys and girls and it also helps them to learn about not touching inappropriately ... you just enforce that it is not a good thing to do and the curiosity will move to something else. Whereas, if you do not allow them this little bit of "discovery", they can become too curious when the opportunity is presented to them and they may do something that really offends the other kid or the parents thereof!

My kids know that girls and boys are different ... the one thing they marvel over is not the front but the fact that they both have the same "back bum"!

I will not bath visiting kids together with mine unless I have asked the parents if this is ok ... I know that not all homes are quite as open about nudity, sex (answering questions, not demonstrating!) etc, as ours.

[whatwasithinking]

I would let them bathe for just a couple of more years - the oldest will guide you when to stop.

[MumsieMel]

I bath my 2 together with no probs yet and i think my DS will let me know when he feels uncomortable about it.

And he know boys have a doodle and girls a vagina, thats never beena prob yet either.