Boys in the Girls Bathroom?

[MBeds]

Bottom line of all of this is - my family's safety comes first...as it should for anyones family...

To those that wonder what is the cut off age - well, the cut off age will be when i feel it is safe...He is MY son and i will do what i can to keep him safe - I will not stop having him come with me because you don't like it...

If i stop having him come with me just because a select few don't like it and something happens to him - where will you select few be then? Telling me how sorry you are that this happened to him/us? All because you feel it is YOUR bathroom..

Again, my family's safety comes first - i'm not worried about a few rolling eyes, or huffs and puffs because he is with me...More than likely you forget about the whole thing 5 minutes after you walk out of the bathroom anyway...

So, let this debate go on, i guess but nothing anyone says will ever make me change my mind...

 

[lorrainesy]

I am a single mother with a 9 year old son, and terrified that something will happen to him.

Do you think that it is ok for a 9 year old to go into the Girls bathroom at WDW, instead of standing outside waiting.

I mean I will let him go in the boy's restroom by himself, as long as I am standing right outside the door and when if he is taking a long time and I call his name he answers.

Maybe I am being overproctitive.

Do you think it is ok for a 9 yr old to go into the girl's bathroom if there is no one else to watch him?

My nephew is 8 (will be 9 when we go to WDW) his parents will not be with us on this trip and I know for a fact that he will be going in the lady's room. I am WAY to over protective to EVER let him out of my sight. Luckly we are traveling with other family members (including my uncle and two male cousins 14, 18) so if we are all together and he has to go one of them can take him or if I have to go my mother, aunt or 16 yo cousin can watch him outside. But there will be times that it will just be him and I, probably not much at the park but we both like to get up really early for a morning swim and everyone else will be sleeping. If I have to use the rest room he is not staying out at the pool alone.

Even when I allow him to use the Men's room (with me standing right outside the door of course) I always check to make sure he is alone in there. On our last cruise (RCCL not DCL) One night after a show my sister, a friend and I all waited outside the bathroom for my nephew and our friend's son (he's 10) they came out and told us that a guy in the restroom told them that "If they shake it more then once, they are gay"!! Our friend stormed into that restroom and lit into him like you would not beleive! He thought it was funny he didn't denie it or anything.

 

[my4kids]

Bottom line of all of this is - my family's safety comes first...as it should for anyones family...

To those that wonder what is the cut off age - well, the cut off age will be when i feel it is safe...He is MY son and i will do what i can to keep him safe - I will not stop having him come with me because you don't like it...

If i stop having him come with me just because a select few don't like it and something happens to him - where will you select few be then? Telling me how sorry you are that this happened to him/us? All because you feel it is YOUR bathroom..

Again, my family's safety comes first - i'm not worried about a few rolling eyes, or huffs and puffs because he is with me...More than likely you forget about the whole thing 5 minutes after you walk out of the bathroom anyway...

So, let this debate go on, i guess but nothing anyone says will ever make me change my mind...

Yep, ITA.

No one is saying we are going to be brazen and have no respect for young girls in the bathroom, we are just saying that we are not going to totally throw our boys to the wolves because there may be an off chance that it may offend someone in the womens room. I have a young girl too and I agree that there are ways to take your son in without making girls uncomfortable...if my son is waiting by the door while I am waiting in the bathroom for a stall to open up so he can slide in quickly when I call him, a young girl could approach her mother with a personal problem, and never have to see or worry about my son. (Believe me, my son will be suffering from embarrassment from being seen in the womens room by a girl his age more than a girl in the bathroom seeing him) Really what are the chances that is going to happen right at the time my son goes in anyway...I'm not going to stand by the mens room door with that sick feeling in my stomach feeling totally helpless because of that. Nothing will change my mind either.

By the way, I forget what the post was but a 10 year old boy is not an adolecent (not even a pre-adolecent yet)

 

[masterslacker]

Okay what about the other side? I will be taking my DD who will 5 to WDW this winter. I plan on taking her into the men's bathroom for her to use and with me when I use it since it sounds like there is really not any family bathrooms. This is probably more awkward than the boy in the girls bathroom since all the girls bathroms have stalls only. My DD has asked in a previous Men's bathroom what the urinals are for...ah the joys of being out with the daugther. What do fellow dads do with their daughters when it comes to men's bathrooms? Ideas?

 

[my4kids]

Okay what about the other side? I will be taking my DD who will 5 to WDW this winter. I plan on taking her into the men's bathroom for her to use and with me when I use it since it sounds like there is really not any family bathrooms. This is probably more awkward than the boy in the girls bathroom since all the girls bathroms have stalls only. My DD has asked in a previous Men's bathroom what the urinals are for...ah the joys of being out with the daugther. What do fellow dads do with their daughters when it comes to men's bathrooms? Ideas?

This is definately a case for the companion bathrooms and I don't care what anyone on the DISabilities board has to say about it...a little girl shouldn't have to see other men at the urinal.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

This is definately a case for the companion bathrooms and I don't care what anyone on the DISabilities board has to say about it...a little girl shouldn't have to see other men at the urinal.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Mr._The_King]

Okay what about the other side? I will be taking my DD who will 5 to WDW this winter. I plan on taking her into the men's bathroom for her to use and with me when I use it since it sounds like there is really not any family bathrooms. This is probably more awkward than the boy in the girls bathroom since all the girls bathroms have stalls only. My DD has asked in a previous Men's bathroom what the urinals are for...ah the joys of being out with the daugther. What do fellow dads do with their daughters when it comes to men's bathrooms? Ideas?

Take her to the companion bathrooms. Never leave your child alone.

 

[DVC Sadie]

A young girl having her first period (or one of her firsts) who may have had an "accident" who may not understand about feminine products who may not care to have a 10 year old boy standing by watching her ask her mom for a tampon or pad??? I don't know, but I'm not naive enough to believe that it's only about me and my kids. I have seen women in WDW restrooms with only their bra and shorts on. Apparently something had been spilled on their shirt. They were doing their best to wash said shirt out and dry it under the hand-dryer. (this I don't understand - not like there isn't a plethora of available t-shirts at WDW!!!)

I understand the need to keep your boys with you. I also understand the need for privacy. For either side of this issue to say "too bad" is ridiculous! It is appropriate for a parent to expect to keep their child safe. It is also appropriate for a female to expect a "Womens" bathroom to be for females. To say, "I don't care if your daughter is uncomfortable" is obnoxious. You better care. That girl counts just as much as your boy. And yes, there is a difference between a 6 year old boy and a 10 year old boy. A 10 year old can stand inside the restroom but will be fine by the entry way as opposed to near the stalls. A six year old can go in the stall with mom and turn his back. So can an older child if it's a problem. My husband has to do this with our girls. This is one of the interesting parts of life. Having respect for everyone goes a long way.

Great post!

I believe that girls deserve the same respect and dignity as little boys, without feeling conspicuous about using a girls/ladies bathroom. BTW, I was the parent of a little boy so I do see both sides of this issue. I did not bring a 9 or 10 year old son into the ladies bathroom and older boys just don't need to be there.

 

[Schmeck]

Most of the restrooms at WDW have an alcove/privacy wall entry - this is a region inside the walls of the restroom, but before the stalls/sinks. An adult man would look very out of place going into this area. I would think that most women would watch him/question his reason for being there. I think that would be a perfect place for an older boy to wait for his mom, if he didn't need to go to the bathroom himself.

While my daughters would feel very uncomfortable about having an older boy (close to their age, I'm thinking around 10-12 yrs old) actually in the bathroom, using the stalls, etc, they'd just have to deal with it. It's not going to scar them for life. My 12 yr old was the one who was afraid that a boy might hear her going the bathroom. I guess she thinks boys don't know how a girl goes?

Anyways, we do what we have to do - until we as a society can come up with a better solution, what else can we do?

 

[robinb]

No one is saying we are going to be brazen and have no respect for young girls in the bathroom, we are just saying that we are not going to totally throw our boys to the wolves because there may be an off chance that it may offend someone in the womens room.

Throw your boys to the wolves?!?! By allowing a 10-year old to use a potty by himself? In a very busy Walt Disney World bathroom full of fathers? Your use of paranoid hyperbole detracts from your point. That and your "me, me, me" entitlement mentality. I am offended by your attitude that the rest of us don't count and that other women or girls who may feel uncomfortable with your pre-teen boy in the bathroom can just go hang.

 

[mrsltg]

Throw your boys to the wolves?!?! By allowing a 10-year old to use a potty by himself? In a very busy Walt Disney World bathroom full of fathers? Your use of paranoid hyperbole detracts from your point. That and your "me, me, me" entitlement mentality. I am offended by your attitude that the rest of us don't count and that other women or girls who may feel uncomfortable with your pre-teen boy in the bathroom can just go hang.

ITA!!!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

This is definately a case for the companion bathrooms and I don't care what anyone on the DISabilities board has to say about it...a little girl shouldn't have to see other men at the urinal.

I've been asked by fathers to take their little girl into the bathroom and watch her. I walked in with the girl, stood outside the stall and walked out with her, then walked back in to go myself. I was a little taken aback that a stranger would trust me with his kid, but I guess I have a very trustworthy face.

 

[my4kids]

Throw your boys to the wolves?!?! By allowing a 10-year old to use a potty by himself? In a very busy Walt Disney World bathroom full of fathers? Your use of paranoid hyperbole detracts from your point. That and your "me, me, me" entitlement mentality. I am offended by your attitude that the rest of us don't count and that other women or girls who may feel uncomfortable with your pre-teen boy in the bathroom can just go hang.

Whoaa..
Me, me, me?
I was saying I thought people who felt they need to take their son in with them could still be polite to others....Here comes that whole "entitlement mentality"phrase again that started over at the busses thread....apparently, just because I think it is kind to offer a seat to a women holding a small child I have an entitlement mentality too. Why is it that I am the one with the "entitlement mentality" when I give up my seat to others instead of feeling entitled to it and I want to protect my son?

 

[welovedis]

This is definately a case for the companion bathrooms and I don't care what anyone on the DISabilities board has to say about it...a little girl shouldn't have to see other men at the urinal.

The DIS board friendliness strikes again.

No one said that they cannot be used by someone without a disability, but they often the only choice for people with certain mobility issues.

I wholeheartedly agree that WDW should be building more bathrooms, labeling them appropriately and should have many, many areas to take your child into the restroom with you with no stigma attached. Has anyone here traveled in the US or in other countries where there are unisex restrooms? I vote for those.

OP--best of luck to you!

 

[grlpwrd]

"In a very busy Walt Disney World bathroom full of fathers?" Sorry, but just because you're at WDW filled with "fathers" does not mean anything: anyone can be a pedophile or have predatory habits.

I'm more offended that no one is offended by predators who want to take advantage of our sons when they are vulnerable. We're socialized regarding women/men bathrooms and I think that's where the predators try to make their move. It's not about us - it's about protecting our kids, no matter what age or circumstance.

Anyone can easily google for links reporting the documented incidents of boys and teens being sexually assaulted in restrooms. There have also been incidents at YMCA's nationally of men sexually assaulting boys, including teens.

Until there are public (indecency) laws outlawing chaperoned boys into women's restrooms we are within our rights. I'm not condoning letting them peep or anything like that - that is taking it to the extreme. I think even on an Oprah show a specialist suggested announcing a boy/teen is entering the restroom prior. I'm not going to wait until businesses build a family bathroom. You do what you have to do.

Like I stated earlier, people, please don't let these boards dissuade you to do what is best for your child.

Carry on... lol

 

[cpbjgc]

Okay what about the other side? I will be taking my DD who will 5 to WDW this winter. I plan on taking her into the men's bathroom for her to use and with me when I use it since it sounds like there is really not any family bathrooms. This is probably more awkward than the boy in the girls bathroom since all the girls bathroms have stalls only. My DD has asked in a previous Men's bathroom what the urinals are for...ah the joys of being out with the daugther. What do fellow dads do with their daughters when it comes to men's bathrooms? Ideas?

My daughter comes with me and we use a stall.

 

[robinb]

Whoaa..
Me, me, me?
I was saying I thought people who felt they need to take their son in with them could still be polite to others....

Entitlement mentality as in: I am entitled to bring my 10 year old son into the womens' bathroom with me because I want to. I am entitled to bring my 10 year old son into the womens' bathroom with me because I feel uncomfortable allowing him to go to the mens' room alone. I am entitled to bring my 10 year old son into the womens' bathroom with me because he is smaller than other 10 year olds.

Me, me, me as in: I don't care what others think or feel about my son being in the womens' bathroom. I don't care if my son is humilated by being in the womens' bathroom. I don't care if a young girl is humiliated while using the womens' bathroom. I am entitled because of the "safety first" red herring. See above.

IMO, there is no way for a 10 year old boy to resepctfully enter a womens' bathroom at Walt Disney World. He simply does not belong there.

 

[my4kids]

Entitlement mentality as in: I am entitled to bring my 10 year old son into the womens' bathroom with me because I want to. I am entitled to bring my 10 year old son into the womens' bathroom with me because I feel uncomfortable allowing him to go to the mens' room alone. I am entitled to bring my 10 year old son into the womens' bathroom with me because he is smaller than other 10 year olds.

Me, me, me as in: I don't care what others think or feel about my son being in the womens' bathroom. I don't care if my son is humilated by being in the womens' bathroom. I don't care if a young girl is humiliated while using the womens' bathroom. I am entitled because of the "safety first" red herring. See above.

IMO, there is no way for a 10 year old boy to resepctfully enter a womens' bathroom at Walt Disney World. He simply does not belong there.

and you are ENTITLED to your opinion.

 

[jill9072]

I too take my 8 yo son in with me. We go into a stall together (he doesnt look). if its not busy i let him go into his own stall, but he can not come out until i am in front of his stall doing a certain foot dance signal. I know its corny, but he is safe. We do use the companion rooms when we do see them.

 

[AllyCatTapia]