Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Loosening The Grip - A Big Step

Being the mom of boys, I knew the day would come that my kids would want to use the mens washroom while we were out.  Mr. J has asked for quite awhile (I think he started asking around the age of 4) but it was never a situation where I was comfortable, and he was more curious - never put up a fight about coming into the women's washroom with me.

Yesterday, my mom took my brother and I, and all the kids (including her, there were 9 of us) out for lunch. The restaurant wasn't very busy, and when my niece had to use the washroom, I said I would take her. Mr. J needed to go also, and so he tagged along. When we got there, the mens/womens were across a tiny hallway from each other.  I decided to take that BIG step, and let him go to the mens room. I stood in the women's washroom holding the door open so I would know if anyone went in.

It may seem odd to parents with children that are the same sex, it is not something that would come up. However, this was a big thing for me.  I have no intentions of letting him go alone when we are out all the time, but I will start to scope the surroundings and if it is appropriate, then he can.

What about you? How old was your child the first time they went alone to the washroom in a public place?

12 comments:

  1. Eeek! I'm not sure what age I'd let Little One go to the public washroom on her own. This kind of thing freaks me out. I'm stressed thinking about it already! LOL! She's only four. I have friends who let their little ones go to the public washrooms on their own. It's not that I'm not trusting or that I'm paranoid. There is a lot to be concerned with when you're a parent. The safety of your children comes first. :)

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    1. I remember being 8, and my dad making me come in the mens room. I was given strict instructions to stand behind the door, with my eyes closed.....he just wouldn't leave me outside alone. If I had to go to the washroom, then I had to stay in the womans washroom until he knocked on the door and called my name. Tehn I was allowed to go back to the hallways

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  2. Gosh, I don't know when I will let him go to the bathroom by himself. He could but he's only 4 so either I or hubby will take him when we're out in public. I don't what the 'cut-off' age is? 10? LOL! Never? LOL?

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    1. It's so hard. Even around here, the city has signs posted on change rooms at the pool that opposite sex children are only allowed in with parents (or to use the family changeroom) until 8 years old

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  3. I'm not sure when it's a good age either. Every child is different :) Good job mama!

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    1. thanks for stopping by; and yep - every child is different. My younger son will get to do it earlier because he will be with his big bro

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  4. Mine is only 2 1/2 so it will be a while but I know the day will come. I'm just not sure when!

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    1. Thanks for visiting! Lots of time to think about it for you still

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  5. oh lordy I know this day is coming, as a mom to all boys I hear ya! I still don't let my 7 year old go in alone.

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    1. Glad to hear that with your 7 year old....I have seen some kids (younger than my son) going in alone....scares me

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  6. If it isn't busy I will stand outside well my DS5 goes, but if it's busy he comes in with me. SO HARD!

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    1. Thanks for your comment. It definitely is a hard decision, especially when they WANT to go alone...

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