My 6 y.o. son insists on taking a bath with me?

Question

If I attempt to put on a swimming suit, he objects. He is raised in an enviroment where nakedness is not associated with shame and he runs around naked if he wants to, which he likes a lot, but I just think that's a little too much. How shall I handle that?

Answer 1

A 6 y.o. does not get to insist on anything. Be the parent and tell him what you want him to do period. When he complains or talks back, give him a punishment suitable for his age. No TV, no computer or no video games etc. for a day or so. He has to learn that there are boundaries and that some things really are private.

Answer 2

I think it's about time to end the "free-spirited nakedness" around your home.  Tell him no more running around naked and explain to him that there are certain parts that are private.  And, definitely wear a swimsuit.

Answer 3

He is a six year old child and you are the adult, you are the parent.  You do not allow your child to insist, or dictate to you.  You just explain to your child that he is a big boy now and not a baby and that mommy is going to take a bath by herself - period.  Also, it is one thing to teach your child that there is no shame associated with nakedness, but to let him run around naked at his age whenever he wants to is irresponsible on your part, to say the least.  He has to learn boundaries at his age, especially when he is out in the world with other youngsters.  What if he takes it into his head to run around naked in the playground?  I mean why not, if you let him run around naked whenever he wants to at home?  Does he know he can't do that in the outside world?  How will you handle that?  Perhaps you should consider a few parenting classes.  Your poor judgement and lack of parental guidance is going to set your child up for a lot of pain and confusion because he will not be properly equipped to deal with the real world.  You son is at an age where rules and appropriate behaviour should be established and he should be taught to respect rules - for his own sake, as well as yours.  If you cannot control your son at 6 years old, what happens when he is twelve or thirteen?  It is time to put your foot down and teach your son discipline and respect because if he doesn't learn now who the boss is, when he is thirteen years old it will be too late.

Answer 4

At six, I see nothing wrong with it.

I grew up in a nudist home and am an occasional nudist myself. (We go to camps and whatnot.)

It's good to have that freedom, just make sure he knows the distinction about where to be nude and where NOT to be nude.

If him being in the bath/shower with you makes you uncomfortable, explain that to him. Tell him it's your 'quiet time' or something alongs the lines of that. Encourage him to bathe on his own. Get him toys that are made for bathtime that he can use with no one having to be there with him.

You need to make distinct lines in what you believe is okay and what not is okay. (Perhaps he sees you and daddy in the shower?) Leading by example is the greatest way. But communication can be even greater.

Answer 5

You say no, that is not going to happen.  You are the parent and adult so direct the actions.  Listen to yourself!!!  He insists?  He objects?  You are having an arguement with a 6 yr old.  Get some backbone and confidently state what is going to happen.  He may tantrum the first time or two but you will benefit in the long run.

Answer 6

6 years old is to old to be taking a bath or shower with parents.  That's kinda gross if you are actually considering doing that.  I would just saying you are to old for both of you to bathe together.  

Answer 7

lol my mom put a stop to that when i was around 4 after that i was scared to be even half naked around anyone . she did it cuz she thought it might be kinda q***r for me to do that when im older so i think you should stop it.

Answer 8

my little sis is five and wears no panties period unless in public

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Answer 9

uh duh just tell him no. your the parent and he is your son, period. he should be able to take a bath by himself. just tell im no it worked for me.