My daughters and I (just like my mom and sister) still treat the bathroom like a communal space, because we are all comfortable with it. My son is 5 and will sometimes barge in but now waits for the most part, and understands to give his sisters (10 and 13) privacy. My dh has never allowed the kids to come in while he's going to the bathroom, though, which is his perfectly reasonable preference. So it's pretty much up to you based on what you are comfortable with. I have never let my kids come in if I am dealing with a period - I don't think they would have cared as toddlers, but it is OK to tell children when you need some privacy.

Anonymous wrote:How did you do it?
My daughter is 13 months and gets upset if I'm out of sight even for me to go potty.
I bring in with me, but I realize as she is becoming more mobile this isn't practical.
I have a pack n play but she hated it.
So what do you do with your crying toddlers when you need to use the bathroom?

I never did.

No privacy with my DD. My DS was the youngest and my DD always looked after him like a mother hen so he never came into the bathroom with me, except when he was being toilet trained.

DD is an adult now. If I am taking a shower and she is home, she will come into the bathroom with all kinds of lotions and oils and will continue talking to me and handing me all kinds of lotions and potions in the shower.

I have all boys. I would say my older sons starting backing away from the bathroom when I was in it around age 7? My 4 year old is still with me…I don’t BRING him in with me but he follows me.

It's good for your toddler to see you pee in the toilet, OP. My 8 year old still sometimes barges in if I don't fully close the door.

If you don't want your kid in, you need to close the door, but it's also not safe to leave a 13 month old roaming around the house while you poop.