What to do with 4 year old when I need a shower?

Ariana - posted on 10/03/2012

Could you bring him into the bathroom? Give him some books or toys to play with while he's in the bathroom with you. I know some people get crazy about nakedness and kids, but if that's a big deal for you you can just throw a towel over yourself before you go in/out of the shower.



I usually lock the doors and put on a tv show, but my son only gets a little bit of tv a day so he becomes glued to it when it finally does come on.

Audra - posted on 11/09/2011

I think it's OK to worry a bit about not being able to see or hear him. Chances are, he'd be fine. But when I've been one room away my curious toddler has gotten his hands on sharp objects that were out of sight (in a closed drawer, etc.) They can surprise you, and it's better they're unhappy for a few minutes.



At your son's age, he's probably old enough to take his own bath/shower, so you need a way to contain him + a REALLY compelling reason for him NOT to explore while you're showering. For example, a baby-proofing doorknob cover, and a puzzle --- or whatever the equivalent would be for him.



He's also old enough to talk to about what he can/can NOT doing while you shower. "You may play in your room...you may NOT go outside."

Nadine - posted on 08/02/2009

If you are looking to take a quick shower - perhaps sitting him down outside the bathroom door with a book and talk to him about the book, sing the ABC song or some other song that you can keep going. As long as you two are engaged in conversation you can be sure that he hasnt moved. If it is a book you are familiar with and that he likes you may be able to hold him captive for 5 minutes

Alison - posted on 07/19/2009

Have him bring stuff in the bathroom keep him busy why you taking a shower or have him watch cartoons.

Sarah - posted on 05/04/2009

We used to have special "bathroom toys" that lived only in the bathroom. They were really helpful when my daughter was younger. Because they are only played with when you need to shower they should make it worth while for him to stay in the bathroom with you. You can even let him choose new toys for the occasion : )

April - posted on 04/10/2009

My daughter is only 7 1/2 months old but very busy, so I have to shower either after I put her down at night or before she wakes up in the morning. I actually wake up  1/2 hour earlier now so I can get my entire self ready for work before she wakes up and then I have the time to get her ready without having to worry about myself. I even sneak in breakfast every once in a while.

Sarah - posted on 03/07/2009

My son is 5 and I stick my sons favourite cartoons on while I have a bath.  I make sure that the front and back doors are locked so no-one can come in or out.  My son is happy to sit and watch tv or play with his toys in his room while I have a bath.  I always leave the bathroom door slightly open so can hear him, and shout every now and then ask what he's doing.  But i've never had problem leaving him alone for short period of time while im in bath.

Casey - posted on 02/24/2009

shower at night or get door chains put on the doors leading outside!  why does it matter if he sees you naked or not??  my kids often end up in the shower with me

Sarah - posted on 02/23/2009

My son does perfectly fine occupying himself, I just worry too much really. He knows how to open the front and back door, but our rooms are upstairs. I just over worry he'll escape or someone will walk in and see me butt naked or something (there are a few people that can come and go as they please here). Something might happen that I won't hear or know about cuz I'm in the shower. I think we've got something that will work, like him playing in his room (next to the bathroom) as I do my stuff.

I was just wondering if there were any better more worry free ways to do so.

Jennifer - posted on 02/23/2009

Not that I am the perfect mother and know everything, but at age 4, there should not be a problem with you getting a shower. Your son needs to know how to occupy himself without getting into trouble and without you worrying what he is doing. I would look into ways of getting him interesting in things that you dont have to worry about while you are out of the room.

Like I said, I am not perfect, but age 4 is not a little baby that needs constant overlooking.

Good luck!

Kyla - posted on 02/17/2009

I have this problem too and the only solution I have found is to do it while he is sleeping.  My son won't stay still long enough otherwise.

Teresa - posted on 02/16/2009

There is the obvious, do it when he's sleeping. :)  How about putting him in front of his favorite video or tv show?  That's what I used to do when I was babysitting my 4 year old nephew... 11 years ago!  Thankfully I don't have that problem now since my 7 year old daughters can watch their baby brother while I shower.