The Family Bathroom Schedule: Tips for Sharing Space
The bathroom, when shared by kids, presents a parent's paradox.
You can't get your school-age kid into the bath or shower, and you can't get your toddler or teenager out. What's a water-conscious mom or dad to do?
These 4 simple tips can help conserve water - and tame morning-rush tempers.
1 Start by setting a time limit (and a timer) for older kids and toddlers.
Ten minutes is plenty for most kids, unless they've tackled a quarterback (teens) or a Quarter Pounder (toddlers).
2 For those school-age kids who find every excuse in the book not to bathe, consider investing in a shower radio.
Perhaps it will encourage them to whistle while they work. With the soap and shampoo, that is.
3 Timing is of the essence for a successful room-sharing experience.
Especially if the children in question are of the opposite sexes.
(Warning: The problem only intensifies as the kids enter their teen years.)
Designate specific times for each child on school mornings or at other high-traffic times of the day. For example, one kid gets the room from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Another child reports for duty from 7:00 to 7:30.
4 Firm rules are necessary here.
My family favorite: If you snooze (during your allotted time), you lose. No whining allowed.
