Inspired by a couple posts...bathroom question

[Harligirl]

Hi all!

I am trying to plan a trip for my family in December. I am trying to get some other family members to join us...BUT if not, it will be myself, Lisa, 32, DD13 and DS8.

So, my question..where does my son go to the bathroom? hehe- do they have family restrooms? Do I send him in by himself? Does he come with me? I know he is getting older and I need to "cut the cord" but he is my baby and I am very overprotective.

How would you handle the situation????

Thanks everyone!
Lisa

 

[cocodog]

My son is 6, and he knows that the men's room is an option ONLY if his dad is with us !

 

[brettb]

In a reverse twist, I was at a community pool with my 6yo daughter and without my wife. Telling her to go in the pool crossed my mind - but only ever so briefly!

Just outside of the men's room, I picked her up, told her to close her eyes, and carried her directly to a stall inside. When all was said and done, up she went, she closed her eyes again, and she got carried back out. "What about washing my hands?" she asked. "We're going right back in the pool. The chlorine will kill any germs." (Given how many kids just plain peed directly in the pool, I wasn't too concerned about skipping that step.)

There are family bathrooms, though I don't know where, though. And I think those will be a much better option for you and your son.

Brett

 

[Dopey's Girl]

There are some family restrooms around the world. With my son (he's 7 now), if it's just me he has to come in with me. He doesn't want to, but in this day and age that's just too bad! It's just not safe for him to go in alone. Usually I peak ahead of us as we go in to see how many people are in there waiting or whatever. If there isn't a line, we go in quickly. I know some other women may be uncomfortable with this, so depending on what sense I get, I sometimes cover his eyes or just steer him quickly to the actual stall. I've never had anyone say anything rude to us or anything and the bottom line is that you have to do what you have to do to keep your kids safe!

 

[bnr0212]

here's the site with all the different companion bathrooms at all the parks: http://allearsnet.com/pl/restrooms.htm

-B.

 

[robinb]

IMO, 8 year old (in most cases) is too old to go into the ladies room. Invest in matching FRS Radios and send him into the mens room alone. If he happens to go out the wrong door or takes too long you can always buzz him on the radio. Of course, if he is autistic or disabled in any way then take him in the ladies room and ignore the stares.

 

[DisnyMama]

As a SM when my 8 year old son had to use the men's room I would stand right outside the door when he walked in and about every 40 seconds I would call his name and he would answer back - I know it was annoying and embarrassing but every man that went into that restroom new that if that kid did not answer MOM was coming in. I had some people giggle at me but it let people aware that this kid was being monitored as close as possible and still give other men their privacy.

 

[DISUNC]

Hi all!

I am trying to plan a trip for my family in December. I am trying to get some other family members to join us...BUT if not, it will be myself, Lisa, 32, DD13 and DS8.

So, my question..where does my son go to the bathroom? hehe- do they have family restrooms? Do I send him in by himself? Does he come with me? I know he is getting older and I need to "cut the cord" but he is my baby and I am very overprotective.

How would you handle the situation????

Thanks everyone!
Lisa

Sorry to tell you, but "cut the cord"! I am a guy and if my nephew has to use the facilities, and I dont...he goes by himself. I just wait outside.

I am curious as to how you handle this situation in Malls or any public areas??
Everything will be fine!

 

[disneyholic family]

there are family/companion restrooms in all the parks i think.....i happened to use one yesterday at the AK in Africa (right near the fruit cart)....

 

[SamanthaL]

As a SM when my 8 year old son had to use the men's room I would stand right outside the door when he walked in and about every 40 seconds I would call his name and he would answer back - I know it was annoying and embarrassing but every man that went into that restroom new that if that kid did not answer MOM was coming in. I had some people giggle at me but it let people aware that this kid was being monitored as close as possible and still give other men their privacy.

I hear ya! I am so paranoid since hearing how a child was assaulted in a bathroom in Vegas. Pervs are everywhere and if a mom of a little boy should feel the need to bring her son in a ladies restroom I say do it! Who cares what others think. That is your child. I was horrified to hear my 6yo was sent into the ladies room by my DH ALONE!
I dont know what I will do when I little guy is 8 but I imagine you will find me yelling his name every 30 seconds outside that men's room door! Maybe we can do it together!

 

[Emmaline Lola]

If it were me, I would bring DS into the ladies room w/ me! Honestly, what is he going to SEE? Women washing their hands, brushing their hair, and putting on lipstick? And maybe a tampon machine? I could think of a lot worse things he would see--for peace of mind, bring him w/ you.

On the other side of this topic--there are ALOT of things a little girl would see using a men's room w/ their daddy's! That may be a little shocking for a girl!

have a great visit!

el

 

[Leota]

At 8 yo, my DS was using the Men's room alone. I just waited right outside for him. He was fine.

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I would tell you to do whatever makes you comfortable. As long as boys behave themselves in a woman's restroom what is the big deal if they are in there or not? I have seen some boys (5-9 in age) trying to look under the stalls but thats when the parents need to step in. As long as they aren't doing anything like that then they aren't going to see anything since all the woman's restrooms have stalls. I have to admit that before I had kids I was so annoyed if a mother brought a young boy (older than toddler) into the woman's restroom. I look back now and think "what was the big deal?" Its not like it affected my bathroom duties in anyway.

I don't have a son, just girls, but it would make me nervous to send him in alone. I know that at some point you have to just do it, but I hear stories about molesters waiting inside restrooms (men and woman's but usually mens). Those stories are enough to make me overly paranoid. Is this going to happen at Disney, probably not, but you just never know. Just do what makes you comfortable and don't worry if people stare at you, if they do just wave friendly at them That will shock them even more.

 

[buddy&wooz]

I let my 7 year old go in the mens room alone, but I stay right outside the door waiting, and he's under strict orders to do his business and come right back out, if I thought he was in there too long I'd call for him and even go in to get him, but that hasn't happened. If I'm with him alone and I have to go, I make him come in and stand by the sinks until I'm done, I won't let him wait outside for me. Fortunately his dad or at least one of his big brothers is usually around to help out.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My DS is 9 and I have just recently (within the past year) started letting him go in the men's room by himself. But I HATE it, and my heart is in my throat the whole time. I do think the location of the bathroom (Disney park vs. Target) makes some difference.

There was another HUGE thread on this topic awhile back that got REALLY ugly and ended up being locked, but I think it basically comes down to you doing what you feel comfortable with.

There were some good points in that other thread, mainly that the bathrooms at Disney are pretty busy, and most guys in there are good dads or other generally good guys. They would step in if anyone was bothering a child. There is usually only one way in and one way out, so nobody will whisk your child away never to be seen again. On the flip side, if some perv is going to flash your child or make an inappropriate proposition it is MUCH more likely to happen in the men's room than the ladies' and the damage will already be done by the time somebody intervenes. I was flashed by some whacko in a mall parking lot once and it was NOT pleasant.

I can sympathize with you! Good luck, and I hope there are no lines for the Family bathrooms!

 

[robinb]

My biggest question about allowing a child to use the bathroom alone is: at what age do you allow it? If 8 is too young, is 9 old enough? 10? 15? 21?

So, I started a poll over on the Community Board:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=867251

 

[Harligirl]

Sorry to tell you, but "cut the cord"! I am a guy and if my nephew has to use the facilities, and I dont...he goes by himself. I just wait outside.

I am curious as to how you handle this situation in Malls or any public areas??
Everything will be fine!

In public places, if no one is in the Womens restroom, I bring him with me. If it is busy, we either skip the bathroom or if I let him in the mens room and he needs to be quick. I am so nervous about it though. He is a quiet kid, very well behaved and way too trustworthy....

Sorry- I didn't mean to bring up a heated topic! I guess since there are Companion restrooms, we will do all our stops there!!! Go whether you have to or not!

Thanks for all your replies!
Lisa

 

[seashoreCM]

My biggest question about allowing a child to use the bathroom alone is: at what age do you allow it? If 8 is too young, is 9 old enough? url]

If the child is not old enough to go by himself, the parent goes in with the child. Otherwise it's up to the parent. Incidentally if daddy had to take 8yo DS into the mens room or mommy had to take 8yo DD into the ladies room, there would still be stares.

Good idea, parent stands outside and calls out the child's name every now and then. I would not go out and buy radios that would be one more item that could get lost resulting in a family argument.

Do not skip the bathroom if it is busy. You don't want the kid having to go when you are halfway through a ride line.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

There isn't enough time for everyone on the plane to use the bathroom after the movie ends and before everyone has to be seated for descent and landing. So don't wait until the last minute if you have to go.

 

[shelby_36]

I do the standing at the door thing with my 12 yr old at some places. I just crack the door and say "I'll be standing right here?" "You almost ready?" With an 8 yr old I would do that or heck if there are alot of people around the men's room I would take him in the ladies.... I mean women are not usually exposed in any way outside the stall and I think most people (mothers in particular) are pretty understanding in cases like those.

 

[SamanthaL]

My biggest question about allowing a child to use the bathroom alone is: at what age do you allow it? If 8 is too young, is 9 old enough? 10? 15? 21?

So, I started a poll over on the Community Board:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=867251

I personally don't think there is an age at which a mom stops worrying. I think it is all a matter of what you are comfortable with. I am not comfortable with my 6 1/2 year old going in alone AT ALL and I suspect I won't be confortable for awhile. I would never forgive myself if something happened to either my DD or DS. I think the worst mistake a parent can make is to underestimate the lengths a child preditor will go to. I had a horrible experience as a 13 year old, in broad daylight, on a busy street, while in charge of my little sister. I was being responsible, and doing as I was told and I was still a target with MANY people around. No one noticed.
Better to be safe and a little over protective than very sorry.