Family Bathroom Scheduling Ideas

Boy brushing teeth at bathroom sink.Set a time limit - and timer- for toddlers in the bathroom.

The family bathroom is 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 family bathroom scheduling ideas can help conserve water and get everyone out the door on time.

Set Time Limits for Toddlers and Teens

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).

Consider a Shower Radio for School-Age Kids

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. 

Assign Bathroom Times for Each Child

People who live in homes with only one bathroom and more than two people have an additional challenge  - they can run into massive traffic jams as everyone tries to use the space at once.

Timing is of the essence here for a successful co-bathroom experience. Especially if the children in question are of the opposite sexes. Warning: The problem only intensifies as the kids enter their teen years.

One family I know copes by designating specific bathroom 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 a.m.  Another child reports for duty from 7:00 to 7:30.

Firm rules are necessary here. Our family favorite: If you snooze (during your allotted time), you lose your turn in the bathroom. No whining allowed.


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