DS8 to men's room solo ...

[justcruisin]

I've been worrying about this for sometime ... so I thought I'd post my question to solicit opinions of what other moms think ...

We'll (me, my mother, ds8) be visiting the world shortly and I'm looking for opinions on letting ds8 use the men's room.

Currently, my I let him go solo based on location ...
local small restaurant ... solo
mall ... ladies room
albany airport ... solo
orlando airport ... ladies room

(I have been known to kick in the door in the men's room and yell his name if I think he's been in there too long LOL)

Please ... any suggestions for guidelines are welcome.

I mentioned we'll be travelling with my mom, and while I'm truly looking forwad to this trip, I'm already deciding on how to handle the little comments on my parenting skills (or lack thereof)

thank you
-d

 

[coasterfreak]

I know exactly where you are coming from, my little guys are 12 & 14 & I insist my hubby goes into the restrooms with them. If hes not with us they have to go in together & Im outside the door thinking 'omg how much longer are they gonna be'. Unfortunately some ppl just arent nice & cause untold worry to us mothers. I think maybe play it by ear & see how you feel about the location, business etc... of the restrooms but if in any doubt then id defo take him into the ladies with me. I know I over worry but I just want to keep my boys safe for as long as i can. My hubby often rolls his eyes when I push him into the guysroom with them

 

[lynninpa]

oops

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Take it on a case by case basis. If you feel comfortable at the time then let him go, if not then don't. Whatever you do don't ignore your gut feelings to please everyone else. There is a reason you have them. Have a great trip!

 

[Colinsmom]

I personally would take him in the ladies' room - my oldest DS is only 5yo, but it seems like there is nothing to lose (everything is hidden in the stalls) and everything to gain (his safety) by keeping him by your side.

 

[marcyinPA]

I also have an 8 year old DS. He is at that stage that he would rather "hold it" than go into the ladies room with me. TOUGH. At a place like Disney, he'd have no choice but to go into the ladies room!!! I flat out tell him that I don't want him to run into any strange men. He knows what I mean.

At home, my DS 12 goes into the men's room with him if they are with me by themselves. If my 8 year old is with me by himself, it depends on the location and how busy it is.

We had to stop at a rest area in NY state recently, and you bet I made him come in the ladies room with me. I might be paranoid or watch too many news programs, but sending him into the men's room there seemed like asking for trouble....

 

[kkmcan]

My son is 7 and begs me to use the mens room instead of having to go into the ladies room with me. It depends on where we are and what the situation is. My dh will take him to mens room if he's with us. But if we are out together I generally make him come in with me unless we are at a family type restaurant or small store. Airports, amusement parks, large WalMart type stores he has to come in the ladies room with me.

I don't know how much longer we'll be able to do this. He looks so big to be going to the ladies room with me. We'll just play it by ear for now.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

Many places that have restrooms also have companion bathrooms. I would consider having him use these. They are larger, single bathrooms that lock. Even though they are meant for people who need assistance, I would consider having him use that. He can still be independent, yet you can watch the door from outside and know that he's safe.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to another current thread about the same subject on this board.

 

[dbarker]

I feel the same way...better safe than sorry. I will allow my DS8 to go into the Men's room by himself, but I always stand just outside the door. You better believe that if I see someone go in that looks suspicious or whatever, I will go into that room to get my son. I also tell my son that if he is too long, I will come in after him.

On another note, DH has been asked at WDW to escort other little boys into the men's room. He gladly did and totally understood.

 

[Hannathy]

For the record my DS had just turned 8 last summer when we were at Disney and he used the mens room by himself for the entire 2 weeks we were there without incident. He would go in the mens and I would go in the womens and we would meet on a bench or flower bed wall outside the bathroom. never any problems and there was no way he was going to go in with me, he made that clear! I had no problem doing this, he usually beat me outside.

 

[bzzymom]

DS used the men's room alone at WDW around that age, we always designate a meeting place outside and have never had a problem.