kids

The list of "if mum is in the bathroom" rules we're printing out immediately.

To you and I, a closed door generally means ‘knock politely’ or just stay away altogether. To a young child, it means something entirely different.

By which I mean… nothing. It means absolutely nothing.

Four-year-old Marion Kelly demonstrated that beautifully last week when she busted into her dad’s study while he was giving a very serious and important interview to the BBC about South Korea.. or something.

Now a mother has drawn up some rules about how her children should respect that other private room. The most private room in the house, in fact.

Shared on social media, where it’s attracted thousands of likes and comments on parenting pages, the bathroom by-laws begin:

“If Mum is in the bathroom, you are NOT allowed to…

With seven kids living under her roof, Dr Ginni has found some creative ways to raise them. (Post continues after podcast.)

#1 Knock, unless the house is on fire, or someone is bleeding and/or dead.

#2 Scream questions at me if the shower is running! Hot tip! I can’t hear you!

#3 Wait for me within inches of the door and then yell at me when you get slammed in the face like it’s my fault.

#4 Slip me notes of any kind, especially the ones with those check boxes. Ask yourself this question before knocking: Can I survive the next two minutes with mum? [] YES [] NO

[fbEmbed_url=”https://www.facebook.com/practical.parenting.australia/photos/a.246336922046584.78548.135372233143054/1610466108966985/?type=3&theater”]

When the post was shared on Practical Parenting’s Facebook page, one commenter kindly suggested the mother add the following footnote:

“Dad is in the lounge room, feel free to ask him!”

Mums – when was the last time you managed to have a bath uninterrupted? Tell us in the comments below.