It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.
This Week's Confession:
"My son is just about to turn 2 and he has been playing in the bath by himself for about a month now. He likes to take long baths, and it got to the point where I had stuff to do and I got tired of fighting to get him out. So now he takes a bath in the master bathroom while I'm close by in the bedroom folding clothes and picking up his toys. I don't go far, but I don't hover over him, either. --anonymous
When is a safe time to begin granting your child more independence at bathtime? Does it depend more on your toddler's age or maturity?
We all have secrets and opinions -- so thanks to this brave mom for sharing her honest thoughts, and thank you for keeping this conversation non-judgemental!
Past Confessions:
Our Children Aren't Invited to Our Wedding
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Comments 182
I've only left the twins in the tub long enough to grab their towels from their room. I'm not comfortable leaving them in the tub for longer than that yet.
I won't leave my daughter alone in the tub for even a split second. I make sure I have everything handy before she gets in. Granted, she's still young, but I would't consider leaving her alone until she's at least able to swim and hold her breath under water. Even then, I wouldn't go far and it would only be for a second. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something happened, no matter how busy I may be.
I think this really depends on your child and their age. At 18 months old, I NEVER would have left the room for a second. At 3, I'd do laundry right down the hall which is about 10 feet away from the open bathroom door. Both are considered toddlers, but the child is totally different at those ages.
No way. My son is 3 and loves the tub, but either I or my husband are in the bathroom with him at all times. It only takes a split second for an accident to occur, that could even mean slipping and hitting their head on the tile or the metal faucets. Maybe when they are old enough to start feeling self-concious about their bodies (maybe 5 or 6?) would I consider letting them alone in the bath for short periods.
If you leave a toddler alone.. you are begging for them to be drowned or burned by hot water.
It isn't abuse, but it is IRRESPONSIBLE. Children can drown in very shallow water.. I wonder what some people are thinking and how they can jusitfy putting their child at risk like that....DUH!
I don't think it's a big deal, if you are within glancing distance it is fine. I was bathing alone when I was 3.
I don't leave my three year old in the bathtub alone ever. Its not worth the risk to me. Kids can drown in a glass of water. I started leaving my older daughter alone to bath about age 6.
i don't let my daughter (how is 20 months) in the bath for to long. i don't have a master bath so i leave the bathroom door open so if i hear anything i just jump up really fast. my son how is four. when he was a toddler i let him in the bath by him self a lot. he just loves the water. i think it's ok if you feel comfortable.
My dd is only 17 months old, so I don't leave the bathroom while she's in the tub. She likes a good amount of water though, and I wouldn't feel safe. I do use the bath to give me time to get ready in the morning, and I'm not always sitting by or standing over the tub. It gives me time to do my hair and makeup, but that's as far away as I get for now!
No. I quite frankly find it laziness. My daughter means more to me than convenience does so even when it is not convenient I don't leave her alone. I really don't understand how someone could take a chance like that, it's just not worth it to me