Ask:
I always have ds (age 8) go before we leave the house but often when we're out, he'll have to go again. I hate having him go into the men's washroom alone and yet he can't go into the women's washroom.
What age are they ready and how do you handle it when they have to go into a public washroom alone?
Answer:
My oldest is only 5 but I let him go alone at the library. Of course I stood right outside the door. I would be very nervous about it at larger places, luckily we ususally hit those type places with the whole family so have not ran into that problem yet.
Answer:
Ds is 5 and I don't let him go alone yet. I think by 7 or so I will first have ds go in there and tell me if there is anyone there. If they are I'll tell him to come out until there is no one there. Then I'll just wait by the door until he comes out. If this is not feasible, I'm not sure what I'll do. Microphone?! Walkie Talkies?! I'm not kidding either.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Stormy
Ds is 5 and I don't let him go alone yet. I think by 7 or so I will first have ds go in there and tell me if there is anyone there. If they are I'll tell him to come out until there is no one there. Then I'll just wait by the door until he comes out.
Ditto!
If this is not feasible, I'm not sure what I'll do. Microphone?! Walkie Talkies?! I'm not kidding either
Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!
Answer:
I've been through this with three of mine....and I have to say, they were all in about the fifth grade before I let them go alone. Otherwise, they have to go in pairs...either with a parent or with a sibling that can "vouch" for things!
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It really depends on where we are...I have looked in a men's restroom to see if anyone was in there before I've let my son(s) go in. They don't want to go in with me anymore understandably. Although, if there was someone around that gave me a weird vibe, I'd tell them to use the ladies washroom in a heartbeat.
Answer:
My oldest is six and he still goes in the women's restrooms with me. He doesn't like it but ever since that young boy was killed by that crazy guy in the rest stop bathroom....i don't think it's worth taking the chance.
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I understand why but still do not like to see boys ages 6 and over in the womens restroom. Too many times I see them trying to look at others when mom is going to the bathroom. I even had one kid who was about 10 in the womens restroom trying to peek into bathrooms and I said something to him. The mom was not happy with me for telling her son not to look into bathroom or he should leave.
sorry, not trying to offend anyone and I really do understand the problem. what we need to ask for is more family bathrooms.
allgirls
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Bump! I'm hoping to get more answers to this from experienced moms. Especially having a ds as an only child, I won't have another one to go into the mens washroom with him. Thanks!
Answer:
OK I just googled this because it was bothering me so much. I found the overwhelming responses of people (on the net) was at least until 7 or 8, or when you feel comfortable. After all, there IS a stall there, the boys should not be seeing anything inappropriate since it is private.
If anyone gives you a dirty look, just confront them and say, "I'm sorry you feel uncomfortable. However, how irresponsible would I be by sending my child in by himself, not knowing who might be in there?"
Then give them a weak smile.
If people are uncomfortable with the kids because they are peeking (which they absolutely shouldn't be doing) it is the parent's responsibility, not the child's fault.
The general opinion was that if people had a problem with you bringing your son in there, tough, and to ignore any dirty looks. Most moms should understand. If not, They should find somewhere else to go.