I cannot use the washroom or be in the washroom without little feet, or slightly bigger little feet, following me inside.

I like to have baths, even in the morning sometimes in place of my regular shower, just to relax and have some time to myself. But soon I can hear the pitter-patter of little feet coming in, followed by little face with a big smile saying “hi mom!” He knows exactly how to worm his way into my heart. And then while I am lounging in the bathtub, he likes to share his bath toys with me. He will dump in his boat, the captain, his Dori and Nemo with me. Then, he proceeds to play with them in my lovely bubble bath. Ah, the joys!

I no longer close and lock the washroom door. Why bother? If I do, I have to suffer through relentless crying fits, banging on the door or begging to be let in.

Can I not get a moment’s peace when I am trying to do something that should be private?

When I was a kid, even a teenager, I would not change in front of anyone. I also could not change in front of my brother (then sister) when we shared a room. When we would go on swimming trips for school, I would always change in one of the washroom stalls. I still do actually.

I was always embarrassed for anyone to see me naked.

Now, it happens on a daily basis!

I cannot get dressed or undressed alone. And because I have two boys, I often wonder when the cut off date for this should be. When I went out with some friends this past Friday night we discussed this very topic. One of my friends provided some great advice on this. She said she heard that it’s best to take your cues from the child. When they start to feel awkward about you being without clothes in front of them or they being without clothes in front you, that is when things should start to change.

As for personal space, what’s that?

When I was growing up I did not like to have anyone near my personal space. I was not a touchy-feely type of person. Maybe it was the environment where I grew up.

Now that I am a mother I have grown to accept that my personal space will be invaded frequently.

I love giving and receiving big bear hugs. I enjoy the frequent kisses shared between my kids and I. And the cuddles and snuggles, cannot get enough of those! I know stuff like this will not last long, so I try to cherish these moments as much as I can while they last.

But when the kids climb all over you when you least expect it or want it?

Or use you as a human jungle gym?

Or how about when you are walking into a store and your toddler decides to put his hand down your shirt? Or when you are sitting in public place and he decides to poke your breasts and say “boob”?

What is up with that?

My kids were not even breast-fed and they have been obsessed with my chest area for years.

Stuff like this sometimes bothers me. It does not happen often though. And I do tell them that mommy needs some space and to please respect that. But then they break out the puppy dog look and you feel bad because you got upset while they were just trying to be near you.

How do you deal with privacy and personal space in your home?