S/O - is it ok for moms to go in “Boys” bathroom with 2 year old?

[Anonymous]

My 2 year old just started daycare and I usually take him to use the bathroom before we walk home. The problem is that the bathrooms are labeled Boy and Girl, and these are kind of cramped open bathrooms (no outer door). I have been taking him into the Boy bathroom in a stall (stalls have doors). There are also two open urinals right by the sinks. This center has kids up to age 4-5. I feel like it must be ok for me to help my son go to the bathroom... but I also feel odd doing so in this day and age. There was an older boy (maybe age 4-6?) at one of the open urinals being accompanied by his father and I felt weird in the cramped bathroom and not knowing if they thought I should be in there. In any other setting I would usually take him to a family bathroom and Women’s restroom, but they don’t have them at this center!

[Anonymous]

Don’t overthink this. You’re at a daycare center where 90% of the people there are under age 5. Go in whatever bathroom is closest.

[Anonymous]

At a daycare/school they will tell you what they expect. Just ask the provider.

In public, no, you take your boys to the ladies room or a family restroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 2 year old just started daycare and I usually take him to use the bathroom before we walk home. The problem is that the bathrooms are labeled Boy and Girl, and these are kind of cramped open bathrooms (no outer door). I have been taking him into the Boy bathroom in a stall (stalls have doors). There are also two open urinals right by the sinks. This center has kids up to age 4-5. I feel like it must be ok for me to help my son go to the bathroom... but I also feel odd doing so in this day and age. There was an older boy (maybe age 4-6?) at one of the open urinals being accompanied by his father and I felt weird in the cramped bathroom and not knowing if they thought I should be in there. In any other setting I would usually take him to a family bathroom and Women’s restroom, but they don’t have them at this center!

Yes, in that context, in a bathroom that no adult is using, it's totally fine.

My guess is that the female teachers are in those bathrooms all the time, helping little boys.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think parents of either gender should be in the little kid bathrooms at all. Surely, this school has a bathroom for adults, take him in there if he needs you. Otherwise, send him to the kid preschool bathroom alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think parents of either gender should be in the little kid bathrooms at all. Surely, this school has a bathroom for adults, take him in there if he needs you. Otherwise, send him to the kid preschool bathroom alone.

Seriously? I co-oped at my kid’s preschool, and they always sent an adult to the bathroom with the kids (bathrooms are form the hall). Little kids often need help getting clothes on and off, etc.

[Anonymous]

Oh come on. At daycare it’s a free for all.

[Anonymous]

As the mother of a boy, I was often asked by the female teachers to stand by the door and make sure the boys behaved themselves in the boys restroom when volunteering. You know - everyone wash their hands, paper towels in the trash etc. no big deal. This went on until about 2nd grade.

[Anonymous]

Yes only kids are using these bathrooms and it's a preschool where they all (mostly) need help in the bathroom. Don't over think it.

[Anonymous]

Daycare bathrooms are different than anywhere else (even elem schools). Female teachers go in there all the time to help the kids - you can too.

The teachers don’t want to clean up what happens when a 2 year old tries to potty by himself. Don’t do that!

[Anonymous]

I'd say it's fine either way, but I always just take DS in the "Girls" bathroom at preschool because of the urinals in the boys bathroom.

[Anonymous]

No, you should take him into the women's room with you. If at daycare, then its fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think parents of either gender should be in the little kid bathrooms at all. Surely, this school has a bathroom for adults, take him in there if he needs you. Otherwise, send him to the kid preschool bathroom alone.

OP here. There isn’t an adult bathroom in the building. I’ve had to go to the bathroom once during the tour and went to the one marked “GIRLS.” But this was before I had a potty training DS. He can’t really go alone because he often needs help. I don’t want him peeing all over the toilet, and the soap and dryer are out of reach without adult help.

[Anonymous]

It is not a big deal.

And I don't like that the soap is not within reach of little hands.

Heck, even IKEA has a toddler sink with soap!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 2 year old just started daycare and I usually take him to use the bathroom before we walk home. The problem is that the bathrooms are labeled Boy and Girl, and these are kind of cramped open bathrooms (no outer door). I have been taking him into the Boy bathroom in a stall (stalls have doors). There are also two open urinals right by the sinks. This center has kids up to age 4-5. I feel like it must be ok for me to help my son go to the bathroom... but I also feel odd doing so in this day and age. There was an older boy (maybe age 4-6?) at one of the open urinals being accompanied by his father and I felt weird in the cramped bathroom and not knowing if they thought I should be in there. In any other setting I would usually take him to a family bathroom and Women’s restroom, but they don’t have them at this center!

I’m not sure I understand why you aren’t taking him in the girls bathroom with you?