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The Shared Family Bathroom Schedule

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. Set a time limit.

Start by setting a time limit for older kids and toddlers.

2. For those school-age kids who find every excuse in the book not to bathe, consider a shower radio.

Ten minutes is plenty for most kids, unless they've tackled a quarterback (teens) or a Quarter Pounder (toddlers).

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 shared-room 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 four favorites:

1. If you snooze (during your allotted time), you lose. No whining allowed.

2. Brush your teeth for two full minutes.

3. Put the toilet seat and lid down and flush.

4. Clean the sink and counter after you use it.

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About the Author

Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.