Single parent and bathrooms!

[seashoreCM]

I had been thinking that maybe it was time to give him a little independence, he had started arguing about going into the ladies room with me ...

I heard a bit of a commotion and then 4 teens ran out. He came out of the bathroom holding his rapidly bruising eye... he was walking to the sink and one of the boys punched him in the face. ...

I supposed he learned a lesson -- when he has a 9yo daughter he'll insist on taking her into the mens room instead of let her go into the ladies room by herself.

Or teach his kid to yell as soon as something goes wrong so he can rush in and help more quickly.

Also small kids need help washing their hands because they can't reach the faucets and the counter or vanity is all wet.

 

[ToddyLu]

Seriously this is an issue? I have never thought or had one single problem with boys younger than 10 being in the ladies' restroom. When MIL and I were on a trip last year..there was no companion restroom and a wife needed to help her husband who was handicapped and in a WC...the ladies' room was the only option. It was a busy rest center and people just coming would look around when they heard a male voice but others explained the situation and nothing else was said. All we had to say was "his wife is assisting him" and they were in the handicapped stall.

I think the 8 year old will have his head down and have the look like "Mom made me come in here" They always do So that is my cue that Mom is great and making sure all is well---I would.

 

[aubriee]

Maybe it is where I grew up but I think there is a bit of over reaction here. First of all we are talking about washrooms inside WDW parks. Not some dark bar late at night in the bad part of town. I mean there is no back door the child can go out. Also the thing most people often forget(which is surprising with all the Criminal Minds fans on this site) is that most of the types of crimes involving children involve people they know. Not some stranger at WDW.
Forgive me for my opinion but I just tend to think positive and think people are generally good and will not hurt a young child alone for any reason.
Do you escort your child everywhere he/she rides their bike? There is a lot more chance they will get injured on the bike than in the bathroom....anyway, I think I made my point.

I agree! I posted on here several years ago about an incident that occurred in the restroom in the UK pavillion in Epcot. I was alone that trip with my then 8 y/o GD. When we went into the restroom she entered one stall and I entered one two doors down. Suddenly I heard her scream and at the same time heard another child screaming. I quickly rushed out and found a little boy about 10 y/o sitting in front of her stall with blood gushing from his nose. Apparently he had stuck his head under her door, startling her, and being the feisty little thing she always is, had kicked him in the face and started screaming. His mom immediately jumped on my grand daughter calling her a brat. Even before I could say anything, the other moms in there jumped on the mom informing her that if her son couldn't behave himself in the ladies restroom then he didn't belong in there and that 10 y/o little boys were too big to be in the ladies restroom anyway.

What was funny was that about two years later, in the exact same restroom I ran into another incident. I walked in to find several ladies arguing with a full grown man. He was saying that his wife and daughter did not speak English and he would not allow them to go to the restroom by themselves in America, so came in to ensure they were safe. Apparently someone went for a CM because one came in and informed him that he had to leave. His wife and about 12 y/o daughter came out of the stall about that time and they left. There were plenty of empty stalls, but for some reason they had gone together into one stall. Neither appeared as if she would need help. It just seemed strange that both incidences occurred in that same restroom in the UK pavillion. lol

I agree people are over reacting. I have never gone into a restroom in WDW that didn't have alot of people in them. Those mens restrooms are full of dads. I'd think that if some guy even made an off comment to some kid in there that those dads would be all over him. Maybe I just look like a trustworthy grandma, but I travel solo alot to WDW and more than once have had some dad standing outside the lady room ask me if I'd take his daughter in and keep an eye on her while I was in there. I've never even thought twice about it. I've got to admit I'd be more concerned about sending a kid in, if the restroom only had one man in there though.

something else to think about: When the threads come up about the Brazillian tour groups, I've posted about something that happened in the restroom right there as you come out of the gift ship at Splash Mountain. I entered one day and the mom who was entering just ahead of me with a little boy almost knocked me down as she suddenly did an about face and rushed out just as we were entering. I walked on in just to find a bunch of Brazillian young ladies totally naked trying to dry their clothes using the hand dryers. They were just standing there naked blocking all the hand dryers. Not a sight a mom wants a young boy to see. lol

 

[Lees3rwe]

I supposed he learned a lesson -- when he has a 9yo daughter he'll insist on taking her into the mens room instead of let her go into the ladies room by herself.

Or teach his kid to yell as soon as something goes wrong so he can rush in and help more quickly.

Also small kids need help washing their hands because they can't reach the faucets and the counter or vanity is all wet.

Can't really tell the tone of your post, but he HAD been taught to yell... goes to show that even a prepared child can freeze when something happens.

People know their own children and should make their own decisions.
There are folks that are very passionate on both sides of this...
But no one knows your child the way that you do...

 

[wdwmom0f3]

My 5 years old could pass for an old 3 or young 4....and my 8 year old is a definite pass for 6. I know they could both be pushed in strollers without a problem. This will be our first year without a stroller....but that's another topic, lol. I just think if it's discreet enough....it would be ok. I've used the baby care center when toilet training. From what I've read about the companion restrooms....they are more meant for handicapped adults. Great that Disney has them! Now it's about time they add a family friendly restroom.

This is not true at all. They are meant for that as well as situations like you are in. I used one last time that we were there with my son when my DH was not around and it worked out great. Most of the time they are not even in use. I think this will be your best bet.

I have seen many boys in the womens restroom with an adult. Never did I have an issue with this or felt anyone else did either. Please feel free to keep your boys safe. If the companion room is not available just go in to the womans. For goodness sakes their children.


Belle

Right! If we could not use the companion restroom for some reason, I wouldn't think twice about taking my child in with me to the women's restroom. I am more worried about keeping my child safe, than what someone may think about me having him in the women's bathroom with me.

 

[antsss]

Aren't there a few restrooms in Disney that have two different exit doors? I ask because my DD7 and I were at a Phillies game this week and we both went to the bathroom. It was crowded and we were both washing hands and then she heads for a door I didn't know was there (a different door than we came in) and if I wasn't paying attention I would not have known where she went. I'm sure we would have found each other, but it would have meant a few moments of panic. Just something to think about. Ultimately you have to do what you think is safest for your kids!

 

[KPeveler]

Companion restrooms are there for people who have no other option. A singe parent of an opposite sex child, people with disabilities who need assistance, people with large wheelchairs that do not fit in standard stalls, etc. There are no "rules" but in general, courtesy dictates that if you CAN use another option, you SHOULD. However, only YOU get to decide if you can, not anyone else.


To the OP, there are a few things you need to know about Companion Restrooms in Disney parks

1. There are NO STALLS in them. This means your 8 yr old may end up seeing Mommy peeing. These restrooms are one big room, with an open urinal in most as well. There is no option for privacy. Every family is different, but not all would be comfortable having potty time being a group activity.

2. The Companion Restrooms are NOT on a standard park map. You have to ask for the special map for Guests with Disabilities (which is different and not kept at the turnstiles).

3. There is not a Companion Restroom for each regular one - there are only 5-6 in each park, and some are in locations fairy inaccessible (one is in Cinderella's Royal Table, for example). If your child needs to go potty RIGHT NOW, it may well be a 15 minute walk to the nearest Companion Restroom. Consider options for 5 yr old bathroom emergencies.

4. You cannot see the outside at all from inside the Companion Restroom, which means all children will need to come in with you every time. Also, the door is usually thick fire door, which means they cannot hear you and you cannot hear them.

5. Many people who use these restrooms take quite a long time to complete toileting activities. Therefore, do not be surprised if you have to wait 20-25 minutes for the person in front of you to finish. The other moderator even had a guest call Security because it takes a while to help her daughter (full time wheelchair user) use the toilet.

6. The toilet will be a raised toilet with handrails, which means it may be quite high for children to sit on comfortably

I do not say this to make you avoid the companion restrooms, but so you know the limitations they have. If you cannot use another restroom, then by all means use the companion restrooms. I just like people to know that they are very limited in number and that they are the only option for a lot of people visiting the parks.

Personally, I would not think twice about an 8 yr old in the ladies room. I am at DL all the time, and I see 10-11 yr olds in the ladies room all the time!

 

[ScrappyRN]

For what it's worth, you need to do what you are comfortable with. My 9yo son and I did a trip in Nov. without DH. He went in every restroom with me. If he didn't need to go, I had him stand outside and I kept talking to him so that he wouldn't wander and he also knew that I needed to see his feet. I would never expect you to leave your boys outside without you. An 8 and a 5yo may know not to go anywhere if you tell them to stay in one spot, but they are children. I'm sure there are some single dad's with little girls that struggle with the same situation.

 

[imthatgirl]

This is really an issue? My boys are almost 7 and almost 6....and they always come into the ladies room with me.

It wouldn't even cross my mind to sorry about this.

 

[ratlenhum]

My son is 9 and very tall for his age and I still bring him in with me. He has autism and has no idea what he's looking at anyway. If we're all in stalls, what difference does it make if a boy is in there?

I had one lady say "isn't he a little old to be in the girl's room?" last year. I said back to her "aren't you a little old to be in the "girls" room?" He's 8 and I'm not sending him into a men's room by himself. You may be offended, but my son is safe and that's all that matters." She huffed and puffed out of the bathroom

 

[maxiesmom]

This is not true at all. They are meant for that as well as situations like you are in. I used one last time that we were there with my son when my DH was not around and it worked out great. Most of the time they are not even in use. I think this will be your best bet.

Actually the companion restrooms are meant for people who need assistance using the toilet, not people who just want something a bit more convenient for them. Want proof? How about the fact that the only park maps that even tell you where the companion restrooms are are the park maps for the disabled? Companion restrooms are NOT on the regular park maps.

Even so, most people would give a mom and a few kids a pass. As long as you don't dwaddle, and are not using it for a long period of time. Keep in mind that for some people these are the ONLY toilets they can use it the parks. Some people do not have the option of using the regular bathrooms.

If you want to bring your male children into the regular restroom, I don't have a problem with it. However I do think you should take them into the stall with you. There are rather large gaps in most of the stall doors, and you would have no control over what your child is doing while you are on the other side of the stall door. If anyone should have to sacrifice their modesty for your children it should be you. Plus, if it is all about keeping your child safe, then how are you doing that if they are on the other side of a door, and you are in a partial state of undress on the other side? If someone means your child harm, wouldn't that be the perfect time to try something, while you cannot quickly get to your kids?

 

[ratlenhum]

If you want to bring your male children into the regular restroom, I don't have a problem with it. However I do think you should take them into the stall with you. There are rather large gaps in most of the stall doors, and you would have no control over what your child is doing while you are on the other side of the stall door. If anyone should have to sacrifice their modesty for your children it should be you. Plus, if it is all about keeping your child safe, then how are you doing that if they are on the other side of a door, and you are in a partial state of undress on the other side? If someone means your child harm, wouldn't that be the perfect time to try something, while you cannot quickly get to your kids?

Not everyone does, but I do take my son into the stall with me for the same reasons I won't leave him outside the bathroom itself. Not only could someone grab him, but he could still wander off.

 

[Ro Z]

I never had to deal with this issue because either my DH was with us or my DS just never had to 'go'. My Mom once had him for a weekend when he was about 6-7 and she swears he didn't P even once! Haha He was like a camel!
BUT I would NEVER let him go into a mens room alone at that age. Bring him with you. Too bad what others think.
BTW
Philsfrontier. We live in a resort area and my son was not allowed to ride his bike to friends houses. I drove him. But maybe I was just overprotective!
He hated it but too bad!

 

[mousegear]

I am going to WDW this Sept alone with DS who is 7. All the trips that we've had, didn't have any issues since DH was there. But this one, he cannot due to work schedule, we decided to take it anyways. I was wondering about bathroon trips and it's comforting to see that many people are taking their boys to ladies room. I would feel more comfortable by doing this than leaving him on his own and meeting him somewhere outside. I was also planning, utilizing TS restaurant restrooms and such. But when the boy needs to go, he really needs go so I'm definitely taking him with me.

 

[luvmesometigger]

If there is no companion rest room in the area, take them into the ladies room. Who cares what people think? What are the boys in there for? 5 minutes total??

My son is almost 11. For the life of me, I can't remember the exact age I stopped bringing him in with me but it is only in the past few years. And even now, he stands right outside the bathroom and waits for me. He knows the rules about not talking to anyone and not walking away from the door until I return.

Edited to say he waits OUTSIDE of the ladies room. Not outside of the stall door! He is not physically in the ladies room with me. I realize my wording may have been a little confusing.

 

[fakereadhed]

Last trip when DS was 5, I parked him in the stroller(used as wheelchair so save it if you are tempted to comment) facing the wall just inside the door while I went in. When he had to go and we weren't near a companion restroom, I accompanied him and stood outside the stall. Do what you have to do in the situation that you feel comfortable with and those that are fortunate enough to be traveling with others to assist with BR trips should thank their lucky stars and mind their own business!

 

[OThopeful35]

My son is 9 and very tall for his age and I still bring him in with me. He has autism and has no idea what he's looking at anyway. If we're all in stalls, what difference does it make if a boy is in there?

I had one lady say "isn't he a little old to be in the girl's room?" last year. I said back to her "aren't you a little old to be in the "girls" room?" He's 8 and I'm not sending him into a men's room by himself. You may be offended, but my son is safe and that's all that matters." She huffed and puffed out of the bathroom

Yes my son has autism as well, he's 8 and will be joining me in the ladies room if there is no companion bathroom available.

To the OP: Bring your children in the restroom with you.

 

[jemmouse]

As a mom to a DS10, I will do whatever is best for the safety of my child! To all who has issues with a mom bringing a boy into a restroom let me ask you this, " if something happens to that child is your life going to change" NO. But that mothers life and that childs will. I would NEVER want harm to come to any child. Simply mind your own business and get over your insecurities. For goodness sake these are children. Now I am not saying I bring my child into every restroom, because first of all as much as some of you don't want him in there, he doesn't want to be in there either. But if I have one uncomfortable feeling about leaving him outside, then in he comes.

There is no manual to being a parent. We all try our best, you and I might not agree. But I personally will try my hardest not to judge you as I hope the same from you. We both have one goal, to have healthy, good natured children. If it makes you feel safer to bring your child in a bathroom, so be it. There are individual stalls, NO ONE CAN SEE, then there are sinks, correct me if I am wrong but I wash my hands in my kitchen a ton of times in front of my DS friends, so what is the difference in the bathroom, and lastly some put makeup on or comb there hair in mirror in bathroom, that would be just so horrible for a boy to see.

I just find the whole topic absurd. Going to the bathroom takes usually I would say less than 5 minutes, public restrooms in my opinion are usually gross to begin with. Get in there do what you need and get out. If I have to go to the bathroom, I could careless who is there, I just need to go. Wash my hands and out I am. I don't lounge around in there, and I could careless who is in there, I am using the bathroom, not taking a survey....

 

[Plaid Princess]

One more person in agreement with the companion restroom suggestion.

This is coming from someone with low tolerance for boy's in the girl's room when they don't need help from mom...

I would say it depends entirely on how you handle your kids once you are in the restroom. If your kids are well behaved and stay in the stall with you, odds are likely no one will even notice.

It's when the boys are left hanging around in the restroom waiting for mom that the issue comes up with me... and this comes up more at Disney than anywhere else I've noticed, particularly with boys that are much much too old (as in old enough to be looking into stalls and caring about what they saw).

 

[Plaid Princess]

One more person in agreement with the companion restroom suggestion.

This is coming from someone with low tolerance for boy's in the girl's room when they don't need help from mom...

I would say it depends entirely on how you handle your kids once you are in the restroom. If your kids are well behaved and stay in the stall with you, odds are likely no one will even notice.

It's when the boys are left hanging around in the restroom waiting for mom that the issue comes up with me... and this comes up more at Disney than anywhere else I've noticed, particularly with boys that are much much too old (as in old enough to be looking into stalls and caring about what they saw).