Age not to take boy into restaurant ladies bathroom

[Anonymous]

A mom, with a young girl about 4-5 years old, gave me a look at a restaurant ladies bathroom when I entered with my 4 year old boy. That mom gave me a look again when we exited the bathroom again. That made me uncomfortable. When should I stop bringing my boy into ladies bathroom? And, what is the minimum age that you would feel comfortable for your boy to go into men bathroom by himself? He still sits to potty. And one more question, when should I stop saying going to potty? Is potty this word too childish?

[Anonymous]

Mom if three with two boys - I don’t think it’s a thing. It’s something that people on the internet are concerned about but I’ve never met or encountered another mom who cared. I know I don’t. I try to spend as little time in restrooms as I can — in and out people, let’s not stop to chat.

[Anonymous]

I stopped around age 8 if it was a place like a restaurant with multiple exits, Penn station, an airport etc. I really don't care about looks from other moms. No way I'd allow a 4 year old into a mens room alone.

[Anonymous]

You're fine at least until 6 in my opinion, maybe up to 8.

Can't remember when we stopped saying potty-- maybe 5? 4 seems fine for this too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stopped around age 8 if it was a place like a restaurant with multiple exits, Penn station, an airport etc. I really don't care about looks from other moms. No way I'd allow a 4 year old into a mens room alone.

+1 Aside from safety reasons, most 4 year olds cannot reach the soap and faucets in public restrooms so they are going to need to go in with a parent. If you have a husband with you, then he should take your son. Otherwise, he goes with you.

Bathrooms have stalls, it’s not a locker room.

[Anonymous]

If it is a restaurant by the time your boy is in kindergarten. By then they are used to using either the boys or girls restroom by themselves. Restaurant bathrooms are relatively safe.

Let's say you are a park bathroom or a place that seems sketchy. Then I would rather my kinder or first grader go to women's bathroom with me or pee in the bushes.

[Anonymous]

Since women’s bathrooms have doors on the stalls, why would anyone care about a young boy in there with his mother.

[Anonymous]

At a restaurant or other smaller venue, where I can easily monitor from outside the door, I’d send him into the men’s room at about age 5.

For something like the Verizon Center? More like 8. Although a lot of these types of places have family restrooms now, which is great.

Funny story: I was out with my nephew when he was about five. I sent him into the men’s room with strict instructions to scream at the top of his lungs if something was wrong. Two minutes later, an ear piercing shriek. I burst in. He’s standing in front of the sink and calmly says “I can’t reach the soap.”

[Anonymous]

I love that funny story, 18:28. Ha!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stopped around age 8 if it was a place like a restaurant with multiple exits, Penn station, an airport etc. I really don't care about looks from other moms. No way I'd allow a 4 year old into a mens room alone.

I would never let my 8 year old into a bathroom a penn station alone! I have a 9 year old, and it’s case by case.

[Anonymous]

My 10 year old boy has special needs; I don't GAF who is bothered I'm not sending him to the men's room alone. This is why family bathrooms should be required everywhere.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't let my 8 yr old into a Penn Station bathroom by himself either. I would tell him to hold it in until we find a Barnes and Noble, LOL.

[Anonymous]

family bathrooms should be required everywhere.

+1

[Anonymous]

8/9, you absolutely take a 4 year old in with you.

[Anonymous]

Was your husband or other male family member with you?