Reply from Tom, Child's Age 60 - 12/12/02 - IP#: 159.39.16.14I don't see what that question has to do with bedwetting, you'll probably get more response on some parenting board. The answer to your specific question is the same age that mothers should stop bathing their sons, whatever that may be. The issue you are raising is really at what age is it not appropriate for a parent to provide personal care (requiring the child to be completely undressed) for a child of the opposite sex. Bathing is like diaper changing, dressing, or any other task that a small child needs help with. It doesn't matter whether the child is a boy or girl or the caregiving parent is the mother or father. The parent should assist the child with the task until the child is able to accomplish it him/herself. Child care responsibilities should be shared by both parents, and if the child needs help bathing it doesn't matter which parent provides the help. I have two daughters and they were able to do a reasonable job of bathing themselves around age 4. Somewhere around age 4 or 5 most children develop a sense of modesty and need for privacy when using the bathroom any maybe also for bathing. Those needs should be respected by both parents. |