I know that other mommies have asked this question, but I'm asking again. My son is 6 and in 1st grade, so at school he understands that he is only permitted to go into the men's room and never the women's. But then we go out in public and he wants to know why he has to go in the women's room with me. He wants to be a man and go in the "proper room". I am a single mom, so it's not like dad is around to take him. He also has a form of Autism (PDDNOS) and he is VERY concerned about the rules of things. For example, I'd be shocked to see him cheat at a board game b/c it's not the rules. So he is questioning the rules behind going in which bathroom. Idk how to explain that it's not acceptable at school, but it is in public?
He is perfectly capable of going by himself, as I have no fears that he wouldn't know what to do or whatever. When we go together in a woman's room he and I go in different stalls. He can lock the door, do his business, wash his hands, etc. We also have had plenty of chats about stranger danger, good touch/bad touch, etc.
I guess it's just a crazy world... so at what age did you mommies let your boy use the men's room or what age do you think is appropriate? Thanks Mamas!!!
I love all the stories of Mamas hovering around men's room doors! I'm sure I will be the same way! I didn't think of restrooms that have more than one entry, so thanks for that tip!!! I think I will take your advice and let him in places w/out huge crowds. Thanks for your input and stories! :-)
I sometimes let my six year old go to a public bathroom by himself, but to be honest, it makes me nervous. I hang around right outside the bathroom door taking note of everyone who goes in when my son is in there. They must think I'm a crazy lady!
My son is also six years old and I've started letting him use the men's room. He didn't want to come in the ladies' room anymore. The only exception to this rule is when it is a really busy place, such as a busy mall, airport or at the fair. In such places he still has to come with me.
My son is 8 and by now, he pretty much would rather die than go into the ladies room!
But before, I sort of approached it on the situation. Overcrowded stadium at a sporting event--ladies room. Quiet, nearly-empty eatery--men's room.
Really, I think the mommy-gut knows when it's "safe" (and I know weird things happen everywhere and in ALL situations-but you know what I mean) and when it's not. You can always stand right outside the door giving cues til he's done if needed. AND I would never "be above" poking my head in the men's room if I felt something was "up" in there!
I was a single mother and I remember too what it took for me to let him go to the public bathroom by himself. I believe my son was 7 or 8. He didn't like it but I had to make certain he knew what to do in case of something happening to him in a public facility. I got the confidence when he was around 7-8 but he also knew if he took too long I would be in there.
Picking a bathroom I would actually feel more confident for him to use was also important to me. If we went to the mall, I would choose the bathroom in one of the larger department stores instead of in the mall itself. They just seem cleaner and have slightly less traffic.
About six. BUT it depends on where we are - airport - he's with me, water park, restaurant, gas station, wal mart, target - all him. He is seven (almost 8) and is moritified to even THINK of the women's restroom - LOL - but I always remind him - no talking to anyone, wash your hands and come right out and wait "here" until I get out too.
Also if there is a family restroom, I opt for that one (I have a 4 yo boy too who always wants to go with big bro).
My son was in first grade. So... he was almost 7 years old. (He's almost 10 now and I still look for "safe" bathrooms.) I would suggest starting with bathrooms that feel safe to you. (I know stranger danger is every where, but I felt better sending him into a bathroom that doesn't have a lot of "traffic." So... not an amusement park or busy mall bathroom. Also... start by letting him to go into the men's bathroom when you don't have to go yourself so that way you can always see who's coming and going in the men's bathroom. Then... work your way up to going to the women's bathroom while he's in the men's bathroom. I was so scared at first to do this but my son insisted when he too realized that he's a boy and shouldn't be hanging with me in the ladies bathroom. I can remember someone telling me years ago about how a boy was abducted from a men's bathroom because there was a side door. (MOst only have the same door for entering and existing but there are a few cases such as an amusement park near us that has different doors for entering and existing.)
My boy is 5 and still goes in with me in the ladies room. Not sure when I'll start letting him use the men's room all by himself.
6 is about the age.........as long as you feel like he is ok with it. Tell him exactly where to wait for you if he comes out first.
