How do you handle your kids who always bug you when you are in shower or bath or even going on toilet?

[Singlebimom]

im single mom and kids always coming in when im in bath or shower... crazy... so i do it back when they in shower and bath or on toilet

[CrazyGirl2]

Well, I’m 18 and don’t have children of my own, but I DO babysit often! When I need to use the bathroom, I lock the door, and unless I hear the screams of an injured child, I just tune them out! If they DO manage to get me to stop mid-stream, and go to investigate what’s wrong, only to discover that the needy attention seeking, spoiled little bastards were just faking it to get my attention, I simply kneel down to their level, grab then by their clothing (never grabbing their bodies in any way) and tell then sternly “listen to me VERY carefully… I need to pee, just like you do! If you do NOT let me pee in peace, without these constant needy little games, I don’t care HOW well behaved you are, I will literally lie my ass off and tell your parents that you VERY bad… and let THEM punish you! Do you understand me? Now, YOU! Sit there and YOU, sit THERE! You got that? And don’t even THINK about moving, or making any noise until I am out of the bathroom! DO YOU UNDERSTAND? NOD IF YOU DO?” That usually works.

[Screenwriter]

Introduce your children to the idea of PRIVACY. Everyone needs alone time: in the bathroom, shower, bedroom. Doing it back to them cements in their minds that it's OK to intrude. This doesn't work with kids.

LOCK the bathroom door. Until they are 8 to 10, don't have them lock said doors in case of emergency.

Kids think you are ALWAYS available. They don't understand privacy until you make it CLEAR.

Children are also fearful that if they don't see you, you've gone. Make it clear that you ARE present, but you need time OFF THE JOB. This can be an hour after dinner: shower and bathroom time. Reading time. After THEY go to bed, unless they have a nightmare or it's thunderstorming.

Be kind to your kids, but FIRM. Take care of yourself or you cannot take care of them.

[virtue2332]

I handle them by first understanding that they are narcissists. 😬 they aren't doing it on purpose. I'm sure it's related to survival.
I'm not knocking you for doing it back to your kIds. For me I would feel like I was teaching them that it was ok to get even. I have 3 girls and my attention becomes major competition. They can get to where it's a nonstop one up each other with dressing up their dolls and explaining the dolls backstory. When they asked what I like about the doll or story. I would be honest and let them know how I felt by explaining to them that my favorite part of the dolls and stories was that I got to spend time with them doing something that was important to them. If I needed some me time I would ask them to join me in one if my favorite activities of cleaning and reorganizing.

[Medlife]

Great dad

[BigPunny]

If I'm using the bathroom, I'll literally just say "WAIT... I'm takin' a shit!"

That usually gets them to stop.

If I'm showering, though, I am not as bothered by it because if they need to use the bathroom, they need to use the bathroom and we only have one in the house! Our shower curtains are not see through so there's no risk of unwanted visuals.

They know not to flush when anyone is in the shower. They also know to ask if they have to go #2 because I don't want to be done with my shower then have to force them out before they've 'completed their task'.

[DarkDream]

I raise 1 son an 3 daughters when they were young I let them in the bathroom to teach them that it wasn't a scary place and to potty train. All of my children were potty training themselves basically and out of diapers and training pants by age 3 with no accidents.

Even though I did have a partner at home I basically raised them alone as he worked the majority of the time. Having an open yet closed door mommy is going to the potty I'll be out in just a minute usually worked but the thing is when ever mom needs a minute - that's exactly when they decide we need you right now. Or the fight breaks out, or we have a question that can't wait lol. It's inevitable.

As for shower time I found it was best left for nap time when they were young enough. For older kids and i dont know if you have boys or girls hun. I didn't mind my girls in the bathroom because then I knew what they were up to honestly.

Also there is nothing wrong with telling your children that everyone even mom needs thier own private bathroom time. I always sit my kids down and talk to them I try not to talk at them but to talk with them. And I don't yell at my children it doesn't do any good really because they really don't hear you when you yell, but if you talk to them they do.


Because if mom doesn't get a shower soon she is gonna start sprouting hair in places You don't wanna see and she's gonna develop claws, her eyes will get red, and her teeth will get sharp, then she'll get real smelly, and the growling will start.

Then it'll be too late for you guys because the hunger for child flesh will have set in - all - because - mom -couldn't - have - 5 - minutes - of - bathroom - time! Muhahaha... LMAO

[GrimmGothBabe]

I allow my kid in the bathroom with me for daily tasks like using the toilet brushing teeth showering etc. Until they have grasped the action or concept that they need to be doing that as well. This usually is around 3 for my kids but can be up to 5 for slower learners but after they grasp the concept I introduce privacy by locking the door and explaining mummy is in the bathroom and she needs alone time and would like some privacy. I ask what they wanted and if it isn't urgent I repeat in small intervals mommy just need to finish the task and would like privacy. If they are younger kids they need the reassurance that you are still there even if they cannot be by you so the repetition pays off after a while they don't interrupt very often and when they do its urgent. However of its older kids and you interrupt like they do it normalizes the action and then makes them view it as a non private area. I would alter the idea by knocking and saying I know you need privacy so ill leave you alone until you are done. Just remember as the adult you are the role model what you show them tells them how they should act and what they need to do. If you want privacy you need to teach and show privacy as frustrating as the teaching/learning process is.

[midnightmoon05]

“So I do it back”

I am a single mom as we.
We have much greater responsibilities to raise our kids then being in two parent household. But it has to be done and it’s double the work. But seeing kids raise to be responsibility adults requires our self discipline, all teaching come from parenting.
I have two teens.
Every opportunity to discuss rules and life responsibilities is on me. I do the same with my ex husband. Anything I teach at home, I tell him. It’s up to him to do the same or not. At lease I told him.
if I want to be respected, I respect them. I insisted family meals with no technologies. We share our days around the table while enjoying down time.
All that come from sitting down together daily and discussing each other’s roles.
all that started from my parents.
it’s not too late for you to take that on from here on.
talk to them about rules you want and consistency is key.
bring back our families... we are falling far apart.

[Ellie-V]

Talk to them calmly and respectfully about the concept of boundaries and privacy. Let them know that it it something that they will desire themselves with time as they develop headstrong into their personalities.
I use this approach when I had younger students. Actually talking to them and giving them a logical explanation that they can understand usually works. Kids want to be talked to like people because they are people. Adults and parents have a bad habit of disrespecting the young. But if they still bother you, lock the door. Get a lock if you don’t have one. And keep telling them.

[electromagnetic]

I don’t have kids. But my best friend used to just leave the door open. One because her child was young and wanted to make sure she’s okay. But also because she used to tell her she’s pooing. Proof is in the pudding. Her daughter stopped after she turned 4.

[Wiredone]

When my kids were younger they did the same thing. I just think all kids do it because they don't think about giving you privacy. We locked the door when we were in the bathroom. That stopped them from coming in. They still talked to us through the door no matter how many times we told them to leave us alone

[Everglow5]

Depending on how old they are, tell them to clean their rooms when you are in the shower. Or feed them right before you take a shower if they are old enough to eat on their own. If they aren't old enough for either of those options... I dunno lock them up or something, or just tell them "Don't bother mommy while she's in the shower"

[crazyish]

I get the feeling that most opinions are either from non single parent homes or having no kids. For younger kids, can't lock or even shut the door for obvious safety reasons being a single parent. I totally feel you girl. They will ALWAYS find you😂

Giving them a little payback and a taste of their own medicine usually does the trick 🤣 good for you!

[Minnie97]

Depends on the age of your children honestly. If they're old enough to be left unattended for a little bit at at time then tell them you're taking a shower and they aren't to disturb you u less its an emergency. If they're too young to be left alone then have a friend or family member come over to occupy them for a short period of time, or just deal with being bothered in the bathroom.

[Wowie101]

Lock or barricade the door …… make it clear to them that you will not respond to them unless it’s an absolute emergency and to leave you alone….. then ignore them no matter what it is unless it’s an emergency…. Sound cancling Headphones would do this nicely

[kkirk4442]

You didn't mention their ages, which makes a lot of difference in how to handle the situation. If they are toddlers, there isn't much you can do, other than to redirect them. If they are older, you can teach them, starting when they are toddlers, to respect your privacy and your need to have a little time to yourself. If you don't set limits, they will have no limits.

[Coulis]

I taught my kids the word "privacy" as soon as they started taking so even if they barge in they leave and close the door when I say it.

At my old residence, there were stairs so when my first ine was young and I was alone, I would want her around me for safety.

Now in an apartment so not an issue. They will however keep knocking every two seconds once sent out but I just ignore that.

[EaterPeter]

Let me guess they are barely 4 5 years old or younger. Try not to respond. Tell them before you go to use shower or rest room. That mommy got to go use shower and can use some quite time for her self. I love you all and I have to have some quite time too.

[EaterPeter]

I want to have, I chose to have

[EaterPeter]

Thanks for like!

[rodeschaap]

My kid is 1, but very attached to me. My boyfriend watches him (so sorry, i have no tips for you), or my kid just enters the bathroom to watch 😅

[nawtee_me]

that is one way to show them what you feel when they come in on you. I don't know their ages but be careful as you may walk in and see them doing something that can't be unseen. lol My mother walked in on me masturbating once. after that she knocked before walking in... ;)

[weysally]

we have a rule and it is enforced, the bath room is a private place for all the family,

[elizamichale1]

The more u stop kids from doing something the more they do that lol

I personally dont mind n dont stop them n sometimes i give them shower as well when i go in for myself

[taeh_ie2]

Just tell them they need to respect each other’s privacy’s and if they don’t kinda threaten them you are gonna take away their game or dolls something like that so they won’t do it again

[Still-alive]

Yeah threatening to take away the game usually work lol

[taeh_ie2]

@Still-alive yup lol 😆

[loves2learn]

I tell them for the 80 millionth time to go ask their dad who happens to NOT be in the bathroom. 🙄

[PBandJ_Nerd]

I don't have kids. But just tell them not to bother you unless it's an emergency. I'm sure they could occupy themselves with toys or TV.