Camping w/o spouse

[TomM]

We have a trip planned in the fall for FW but it looks like my wife may be getting a new job. She said if she isn't able to get off for my daughter and I to go without her. That would seem rather odd not going together. Our daughter is 7. We camp in a pop up without a shower. We would have a good time but the big concern is her taking going to the showers alone. Anyone else done this?
TomM

 

[LMC]

But, you seem to be going at a slow time so the comfort stations probably won't be too busy. We just went in May and I would use the showers late (10pm) at night after I got my 3 kids asleep and I was usually the only one in there. Do you have two way radios that you can keep in contact w/ her? You could wait outside while she goes in and gives you the scoop as to whether or not she is alone. The showers have locks so she locks herself in, keeps her things in the separate dry area, showers, gets dressed and then lets you know she is coming out. It really depends on her maturity. I have a DS 9 that I couldn't let do things alone because he is too gulible but I have a DD 6 that, if equiped w/ a radio and strict instructions, would do o.k. IF, IF, the showers were not crowded. And, us mommies are in habitual mommy mode, when I was there an older (probably 10yo) girl was leaving her younger (probably 6yo) sister in the showers alone because she got finished first; I strongly suggested that she wait for the younger one so that she wouldn't be scared and so she wouldn't get lost trying to get back to their camp site.

 

[Whosemom]

I haven't been in that situation either. But I agree if you go over early or late and wait outside for her, especially with a radio (great idea LMC), it should be ok. Also, I don't know how you feel about this...I know my 8 yr old would be more than happy to just hit the shower once in the middle of the week. barring sudden drops into mud

 

[Whosemom]

You know, I have continued to think about this. And finally, instead of thinking hypothetically about you, I thought about if I had my son when he's 7. I wouldn't think twice - I'd take him in with me, again waiting for an off time at the showers. Granted, we women take care of all of our business behind closed doors.

I hate to think of you losing out on wdw with a 7 year old over a shower.

Could you make a big joke of marching her in with the towell around her face? "Dad camping alone with a 7 year old, coming through" Shove her in, stand by the door.

 

[TomM]

The towel idea crossed my mind. I also have an idea of taking a storage tub and a a milk jug with holes in the lid and let her take a shower in the pop up. With a 7 year old there may be a little water to mop up afterwards, but who cares.
TomM

 

[Memph1s]

Our DD is now 11 so I feel safe waiting outside the CS. However, at 7, I would just take her in the men's with me at off times. I have taken many showers and been the only person in the CS. I just check to be sure the coast is clear before entering or leaving. You can use the handicap stall and go in with her and just let her change behind the shower curtain if that's a concern. We have a port a potty in our popup so the other bathroom business can be handled in the popup. In the parks you can use the family restrooms where you can go in with her or just wait outside the door knowing she is the only person in there. I would not let having to go solo with your DD cancel the trip. The trip will be a very special memory your DD (and you for that matter) will remember forever.

 

[VAN]

I love camping, but if I were you, I think I'd try to get a hotel room and then you won't have to deal with the whole bathroom/showering issue.

 

[tiggereyore]

problem.
I'm the mom of 2 boys 6 1/2 and almost 4. Any trip to the grocery store involves the bathroom (or any store). I've gotten to the point where I'm uncomfortable taking the oldest in the ladies room but no way is he going alone in the mens. I simply take my hand and cover his eyes. Many women have laughed and said they never thought of that. My vote would be for the towel and a word of warning or peek inside first. Camping I don't have that problem with the TT we have our bathroom. I just don't go with out the DH cause I don't want dumping duty. (and I'd rather not drive, can just don't want to)
Go and have fun what wonderful memories you'll share.

 

[LMC]

LOL!!!!! It seems that EVERY time we have to go out DS, who is special needs and requires alot of bathroom time and HELP and always seems to have to do something other than tee tee, spends our time in the public restrooms! Each Sunday after church, we go to lunch and I spend the whole time in the bathroom with the 3 kids; if one goes, they all have to go! But, since my son has issues, I would never let him go into a restroom alone (he's 9). He NEVER questions an adult and will do anything that they ask or tell him. So until he has better judgement or common sense then he will go with me so tough!

 

[mrsgus06]

I had this problem also, but it was reverse. The 5 youngest go camping with me, most times without hubby, and he is the only boy. He is 7 and I find that off times in the cs also worked for us. I put the 4 girls in the handicapped stall and ds in the one beside it. I would not cancell this trip because of an issue that should only last 10 minutes a day when she will have memories that would last a lifetime.

 

[LMC]

If you take her in the mens cs then just cover her eyes. If my hubby had my dd out, then I would expect him to take her to the bathroom not just turn her loose. This would mean he would have to cover her eyes and take her into a stall. Don't forget your flip flops for the showers!!!
Also, I know someone suggested staying at another resort; right now you can get some great rates, but in over all fun I don't think you can beat FW. No bike riding, cooking on a grill, campfire program is in your back yard, etc.

 

[TomM]

I really hope my wife gets the time off but if not....
"Heads up, 7 year old coming through!" Thanks for your help. We will have a great time. We play Peter Pan on the back deck, just waiting for Disney World and camping. (Why do I always have to be Hook?) Thanks again.
Tom

 

[LMC]

Glad you decided to camp! Don't forget your bicycle helments if you take bikes. We stayed in the 1000 loop in May and it is very close to a CS (the spots closest to the CS are on the section of the road when you first enter the one-way loop) and the meadows trading post, pool, campfire. It is a full hook up if that is what you are looking for. I am not familiar w/ partial hook ups.