Dear Family Coach: My 4-year-old son asked to take a bath with me. I'm wondering at what age parents of the opposite sex should avoid being naked around their kids. — Unsure Mom

Dear Unsure: Mothers and fathers bathing with their young children is not only convenient but also a lovely opportunity for relaxed bonding. However, there does come a point when parents should cease the practice. Unfortunately, it's a tad tricky; there isn't a hard-and-fast directive. Each family may have different feelings on nudity, privacy and comfort levels in regard to being naked together.

However, I do think there are some rules of thumb to use as a guide. Community bathing — with a parent of the same sex or opposite — should come to an end when anyone becomes uncomfortable. Parents should trust their gut on this one. That funny feeling means it's time to separate. Sometimes children decide on their own they want more privacy. Parents should respect their wishes then, too.

Additionally, take it as a sign to stop when children become excessively curious or observant of gender differences. Asking once, or even a few times, about genitalia isn't an issue. It's actually a good time to begin sex education and talking about appropriate touching. But when children appear to be entertained or excited by the genitalia, that's the neon signal that it's time to bathe alone.

You can and should feel at ease continuing to be naked in front of children of the same sex, as long as it is comfortable. In many cultures, especially in Asia, it is customary for multiple generations to bathe together. It can help create a healthy body image and an understanding of how the body ages over time.

Dear Family Coach: At home my 3-year-old daughter is very social and chats up a storm. But her preschool teachers report that she is sweet but barely says anything. She follows the teachers like a shadow while the other kids are playing freely. Should we be worrying? And what's the best way to encourage her to come out of her shell? — Sometimes Worried

Dear Worried: I don't see any red flags here for a number of reasons. Your daughter is able to talk. She does it at home and probably will do it at school once she is comfortable. She has formed an attachment to the teacher, which shows she is opening herself up. She just hasn't found a child with whom she can do the same. Many children who appear super shy in preschool wind up being chatterboxes by third grade. Children's social abilities and confidence develop at different paces.

Lastly, being shy or introverted isn't a character flaw. It's just another way of interacting with the world. Many parents and schools value out-in-front leadership, and they work hard to push kids into that role. But it's misguided. Nothing will hold your daughter back more than trying to push her when she isn't ready. Instead, focus on creating situations that work naturally with her temperament.

Start by letting her do what feels most comfortable. It's completely fine if she wanders around alone at a birthday party. If she doesn't make a ton of friends at school but tends to gravitate toward one child, focus your attention on building that one relationship. Invite the friend to your home instead of planning a play date out or at the other child's house. Your daughter might also be more at ease playing with slightly younger children. It can build her skills and confidence and carry over to kids her own age.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.