"Can a pool really count as a bath?" This hopeful question echoes through the minds of parents everywhere.
Colorado mom of two, Neely Gracey, recently shared a playful admission on social media that has parents buzzing: sometimes, a dip in the pool is as good as a bath.
"Happy 'the pool counts as a bath' season to all who participate!" Gracey posted alongside boomerang videos of her family enjoying their local pool.
The reactions were swift and polarized. Some parents were appalled, with one commenting, "Noooo wayyy man. Pool day means it is DEFINITELY a tubby 🛀 night for my kiddos. So gross, chemicals, sunscreen, sweat, pee, salt, etc. 🤢😬"
On the other side, some parents quietly admitted they've occasionally let pool time substitute for bath time. "Heck yes," wrote one mom. Even a few parents in the TODAY.com office (who shall remain anonymous) confessed to letting their kids skip baths after a day at the pool once or twice ... or maybe more.
Gracey didn't expect her lighthearted post to stir such a debate.
"I never intended to create this level of controversy," she laughed in an interview with TODAY.com while managing her two boys, Rome, 2, and Athens, 5. ("5 and three-quarters!" Athens proudly corrected in the background.)
Neely Gracey with her family at their local rec center pool in Colorado. Neely Gracey with her family at their local rec center pool in Colorado. Courtesy Neely Gracey Gracey explained her intention: "I knew pools were opening up nationwide, and every parent knows the epic battles of getting kids into and out of the bath," she said. "It's two separate battles every single time. I just wanted to give parents permission to have fun with their kids this summer.”
So, whether you’re firmly against or occasionally for it, the pool-as-a-bath debate is officially open. What’s your take?
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Photo: Getty