Last week, J*** said:

Do you need advice on an issue? Other SmartGirls can help! Submit your issue to SmartGirl.

407 SmartGirls replied:

37% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:

• Dear J, I know becoming and developing into a teenager is hard, and I also know it is essential for you to have your own time and own space. So you've got to talk to your parents about this. Tell them straight, that you don't want to share baths with your sis, and that your parents should realize that you are growing-up and it's not comfortable sharing a bath with your sister anymore. Hopefully your parents will understand. Also remember to tell them that they could try to help keep your sister occupied while your going for a bath or shower. Hope this helps! Laurie-Ann, 13

• I think you need to sit down with your parents and sister and explain that this makes you uncomfortable. Explain to your little sister that every once in a while, you will give her a bath but won't get in with her. Work out an agreement and start out slow and take only a few with her, once in a while, don't stop cold turkey as it will probably hurt her feelings and make sure she at least gets the point. I had to do the same with my sister at around 8-10, and I told my parents I didn't want to get in the shower with her anymore it was crowded and the situation was uncomfortable for me. Hope this helps...Kit-Kat

• I think your sister is too young to understand that your delevoping. So have a bath on your own lock the door so she can't come in. Your parents should understand you need privacy. Go and tell them how you feel. From Katie.

• Talk to your parents about this. At a young age, many parents have more than one child bathe together, but at twelve years old that should be long past. Explain to them that this makes you very uncomfortable. This is a very personal issue, so if they don't put an end to it, you Do NOT have to keep doing it. If they won't end the situation quietly, calmly refuse. As, for your sister, tell her that you can't spend all your time with her, but make an effort to spend at least a little time with her, so she doesn't feel abandoned. Best of Luck!

• Talk to your parents. Just explain to them that as you are getting older you will need more personal space. They may still see you as their little girl but you're not, you're developing and reaching adolescence. Also, your sister may accidentally find out about stuff she doesn't need to know about till later on! luv soph,12

• I had the same problem and my sister always wants me to take a bath with her so I always take a shower. If that doesn't work then make some kind of deal with her.

• Explain to your sister in basic words what is happening and tell her that she will go through the same thing when she's older. Tell her she is welcome to come to you for help and advice but you are growing up and you need to have time to yourself. Explain to your parents what is going on and ask them to reinforce the steps you have taken. If she continues you need to get serious. Start to treat her to a pounds worth of sweets once a week. Tell her that in that week, every bath she tries to take with you takes ten pence off the amount of sweets she gets. If she tries to bathe with you more than twice then explain that she only gets ten pence worth of sweets. If that doesn't work, you seriously need a lock on your door!

• I have 6 younger siblings and I know what you are going though. Tell your sister that after your bath/shower, the two of you can do something together. Most of the time they only want to take baths with you because they like to be near you. If you explain to them that you will color or something with them later, they will look forward to it and leave you alone. Your sister just loves you so give her something to look forward to other than uncomfortable baths.

• Try making a compromise. (Now I sound like a shrink. Sorry.) Anyway, try telling your sister that she can wait in the bathroom until you finish your bath, and talk with you. You can close the curtain but still talk to her. Then, after you finish your bath, you can stay in the bathroom with her while she takes a bath.

Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your advice for this week's issue.