tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post7109310651526383302..comments2023-12-26T10:45:55.481-05:00Comments on Lots of Scotts: Little Boys and BathroomsJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03903375700915031290noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-18232164101576902892010-04-21T08:55:47.954-04:002010-04-21T08:55:47.954-04:00I let my oldest son go in alone at 7. If we were ...I let my oldest son go in alone at 7. If we were at a park or somewhere suspicious I would ask him to go in and come back and tell me if anyone else was in there. If so, he had to wait. Also, and this sounds crazy, but we kept two way radios with us in the car for this reason. He began to be really embarassed to come in the ladies restroom when I had to take my little girl. So I let him stand outside with the "walkie talkie". This is an issue all of my friends with boys have struggled with. It's a hard one!Reneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12303680733635723712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-80111415201834786772010-04-19T23:13:06.349-04:002010-04-19T23:13:06.349-04:00I know you've already gotten several comments ...I know you've already gotten several comments on this and I didn't read them all so forgive me if I'm repeating advice. <br /><br />I have two boys, ages 9 and 6. Most of the time that we're out, my husband is with us(we have 4 children total and I do not enjoy running errands or eating out with them by myself. ;).) If I am alone, I will send them together, after looking inside the bathroom myself. I actually open the door a little and ask if there is anyone in there. If there is, I might send them into the ladies room, though they dislike this. If no one is in there, I let them go in and I stand outside the door and will ask at least once or twice how they are doing. I would NOT send them alone, even for a few minutes, even at older ages; but that's just me. <br /><br />You're a good Mama to ask around. :)Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07738735954613988914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-25077134603293972962010-04-19T23:08:29.147-04:002010-04-19T23:08:29.147-04:00I have no children, but some of these stories have...I have no children, but some of these stories have really alarmed me! Keep taking them with you as long as you want, I am a female and would rather see children with parents than alone. Blessings, cannot believe the trio is almost 6!Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033711083139506792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-13547209413287888552010-04-19T18:15:12.935-04:002010-04-19T18:15:12.935-04:00My nephew is 6.5. He always goes to the restroom w...My nephew is 6.5. He always goes to the restroom with me. He has been allowed alone when it is a one person bathroom and I know no one was in there. I do not anticipate this stopping for a long time. Too many crazy people around here. Always follow your instinct as a mother. Safety first.RMSLILhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10734160135326574866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-10897203110639991602010-04-19T10:26:47.676-04:002010-04-19T10:26:47.676-04:00I take Will in with me or If we are in a situation...I take Will in with me or If we are in a situation where I can't go with him, I tell him to go in the ladies room & close the door. He only goes into the men's room if his dad is there.I'm paranoid. If P & R were always together, I would be more comfortable with them going into the mens room, but one at a time, I still can't do. A while back, we were at Applebees in our town in the middle of the afternoon and my then 9 year nephew was with us. He went into the Men's restroom & stayed too long for my comfort,so my husband went in. There was a guy in there who was drunk and who had thrown up and then fell out in the floor in front of the door and my nephew was either going to have to step over the guy or step over/in the vomit to get the door open, so he was just standing there waiting on someone else to come in b/c he was not sure how to get the door open. In the end, he was convinced that the guy was really sick and asked if the food made him sick. We settled with, it was probably what he drank b/c It's not my place to go into the details of that, but that did it for me. Will may be going to women's room for an awkwardly long time and I'm ok with that.lucindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10533408738700161345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-89638819029036533992010-04-19T09:54:02.980-04:002010-04-19T09:54:02.980-04:00My older 3 boys are 13,11 and 7. When the oldest 2...My older 3 boys are 13,11 and 7. When the oldest 2 were younger I would let them go together with the rules of...stay together, go in a stall, make it quick, don't talk to anyone. I've also been known to open the men's bathroom door and call in to them if I thought they were taking too long. My thoughts are if the establishment has a problem w/ me doing that they can put in a family bathroom. Fortunately now my 7 yo has big brothers to take him...same rules still apply and if he's the only one w/ me we usually still go in the women's together depending on where we are.Larihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06891999155176096206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-80058760269845365952010-04-19T09:23:53.789-04:002010-04-19T09:23:53.789-04:00I have no clue but I'm glad you asked... I'...I have no clue but I'm glad you asked... I'm enjoying reading everyone else's answers. I have been wondering that very thing!! What about when your husband takes your daughter out and she needs to go potty? My little girl is 4. Should he take her in the men's room or send her alone into the lady's??Amber Bengehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07071072319018194914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-72878193341263787832010-04-19T08:57:19.947-04:002010-04-19T08:57:19.947-04:00My son is 10 and I am just now letting him go into...My son is 10 and I am just now letting him go into men's restrooms by himself. He was starting to be embarrased going into women's restrooms although there isn't anything to see of course.Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07866901959427932990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-39992387431995889692010-04-18T17:19:12.566-04:002010-04-18T17:19:12.566-04:00I certainly sympathize with your plight and agree ...I certainly sympathize with your plight and agree that the times we live in require extra vigilance on the part of parents of young children.<br /><br />As a woman using the restroom, I'd prefer more privacy than is afforded when young boys are brought in with their moms. <br /><br />Obviously, if someone you trust is available to take them to the men's room that's best; followed by making good use of family/companion facilities when available. <br /><br />However, given that it's likely you WILL need to bring them into the ladies' room for some time yet - I'd request that they be taught appropriate behaviors (not that you haven't addressed this already with them): that they respect privacy; not run around; stay with you or where you designate while waiting; etc. Good manners and consideration can make an uncomfortable experience easier for all concerned.Kthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02012798004113291755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-26097253010497542992010-04-18T14:59:55.659-04:002010-04-18T14:59:55.659-04:00I raised two sons and took them in with me until t...I raised two sons and took them in with me until they were about your boy's ages, maybe a little older. Women's restrooms typically have stalls so there is nothing in there that should be inappropriate for the boys to see. The men's rooms, however, scare me. Open urinals, to me, are extremely inappropriate. My boys would never use the restroom at high school because of that reason (and the unclean conditions). They would instead call my father, who lived a block away, and he would come get them, let them "do their business" and take them back. I've never understood why men should not be afforded their privacy, just like women.Mickie McGeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11657993264420133369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-46259658060019652792010-04-18T08:14:44.684-04:002010-04-18T08:14:44.684-04:00I have two sons (7 1/2 and 4). We just returned f...I have two sons (7 1/2 and 4). We just returned from a trip and I had them go in the restroom with me. My youngest announced as he walked in the restroom, "Sorry, there's a boy in the girls restroom!". Everyone cracked up at his announcement. As we waited in the line, many ladies commented they wouldn't send their boys in a men's restroom alone!Collins Charactershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06105699363718711786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-62769094700147619052010-04-18T07:57:35.458-04:002010-04-18T07:57:35.458-04:00I am very surprised at all the fear I hear in thes...I am very surprised at all the fear I hear in these comments. There are plenty of things that can happen in this world, but it is actually much safer than it used to be when no one talked to their children about being cautious and not talking to strangers.<br />It is maybe an opportunity to show our children with our acts and not just our words that we trust in God. Please, Moms, let your boys grow and go......https://www.blogger.com/profile/15444702541517346260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-46845285922242072902010-04-18T00:04:22.557-04:002010-04-18T00:04:22.557-04:00Even now, at the age of 11, I am VERY watchful whe...Even now, at the age of 11, I am VERY watchful when my son goes to a public restroom. As in, I stand outside, check to see if anyone is in there, hold him out until it is empty, crack open the door and call in there if someone enters after him. I don't really care what anyone else thinks, he's mine and I will do all I can to protect him. I also have three girls (13, 8, 6) who I do allow to go together, alone. But they must stay together at all times.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07701108231146709303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-33885551534924133112010-04-17T23:49:19.435-04:002010-04-17T23:49:19.435-04:00I love the responses you've gotten here. I...I love the responses you've gotten here. I'm with all of them. My son was about 8 before I ever let him go into a public bathroom alone & I told him "You've got 2 minutes before I come in after you!" and he knew I'd do it, too!<br /><br />Once we were in Chili's and I was waiting for him outside the bathroom door. A man came out giggling soon after Samuel went in. He looked at me & nodded toward the bathroom & said "Your son?". I said yes and he grinned & said "Good job mama....he walked in there, looked at me & said "Don't touch me. My mom's right outside the door."" I LOL'd right there for that one. Glad to know they do hear us once in a while! :)Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01606570803094936934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-8578581793514101042010-04-17T23:45:04.943-04:002010-04-17T23:45:04.943-04:00Better for the boys to be slightly embarrassed tha...Better for the boys to be slightly embarrassed than ...any alternative! Also, if they go in together, that seems better. What does your husband think?MEGANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16258804163178629201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-91764445277801355742010-04-17T23:18:43.773-04:002010-04-17T23:18:43.773-04:00I'd wait until 8, and then I'd still make ...I'd wait until 8, and then I'd still make them go together.Tarihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06472104751888958606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-31620693503810331232010-04-17T23:08:26.075-04:002010-04-17T23:08:26.075-04:00Follow your instincts. Six is too young. Do not s...Follow your instincts. Six is too young. Do not send them into a mens room alone. If they push the issue say "you are too precious to me to allow you to go in there alone." My kids still remember me using the "you are too precious to me..."' line on them for things that were unsafe.<br /><br />My son was about 8 when HE started balking at entering a ladies room with me. I would ask a male store employee to check the mens room and see if it was occupied. If so we'd wait or go to the ladies room. If not, I'd send him in and stand guard at the door. He was always out quickly enough that there were never issues. Thankfully my son had an iron bladder and we didn't have any close calls. I do love the walkie talkie idea, though. Brilliant.<br /><br />My friend with twin sons (now adults) made her boys sing very loudly while they were in a public restroom. She said if they stopped singing, she was coming in. And she did.<br /><br />Remember, we have to keep this same issue in mind when our daughters are on outings with daddy. Taking a young girl into a mens room is pretty difficult; although it's probably safer to send her into a ladies room alone than the scenario you write about. On the few occasions my husband faced this (at about age 4 with our girl), he would pick our daughter up and press her face into his shoulder (so she couldn't see anybody), carry her into a stall and remain in the stall with her - facing away from her. He would exit the same way - not even stopping to wash hands. Rinsing in a drinking fountain was better than spending extra time near a urinal with a young daughter. My brother did this same thing with his daughter when she was little.<br /><br />This is a very important issue with our children. You are entering a 'tween phase with your kids and it can be challenging but I would suggest always erring on the side of TOO protective. <br /><br />Great comments and suggestions to go with another great post.HWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09260566913424446132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-57668262427336339882010-04-17T23:08:13.078-04:002010-04-17T23:08:13.078-04:00I think, it isn't a single rule that applies t...I think, it isn't a single rule that applies to all situations. <br />For us, we recognize safety issues- I hear plenty about molestations and assaults at work- I am a psychiatrist, after all. On the other hand, we have to train our 6 year old boy to grow up, to become independent, and it is a process. It isn't that I never let him go to a bathroom on his own, and it isn't I always insist that he goes with me. <br />It depends on where we are, what he is up to...etc. We also regularly discuss this: Your body is your body. It is for the doctor to look at when we go see the doctor, it is for you, and occasionally, for Mommy and Daddy to wipe you. No one touches your penis. No one touches your butt. If someone does, you need to scream. <br />If we are in a restaurant, one that I am ultra familiar with, with no backdoor out, and just one room for the bathroom, we let him go by himself to wash hands and pee. (He doesn't like to have BMs in public, who does?! And that solves the long wait thing. <br />If we are in a busy place, I just make the kids go when I go, and thus, it isn't something we discuss.<br /><br />What I am curious about, if you can write about it, is when you will stop being nude in front of your kids, or have you stopped already?Just mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15431890182148979589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-65953442060270401602010-04-17T21:52:23.179-04:002010-04-17T21:52:23.179-04:00My little boy still goes with me and he's almo...My little boy still goes with me and he's almost 7!Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02784892728243741018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-53312139893698257532010-04-17T21:18:11.427-04:002010-04-17T21:18:11.427-04:00Being a single mom, this thought has crossed my mi...Being a single mom, this thought has crossed my mind many times. I want them to be 'big boys' but it depends on where we are of which bathroom I let them go in. My boys are almost 6 and 7 and they still go to the bathroom with me. I don't care who looks at me funny. It's not like everyone's out in the open or have all the doors open for my little boy eyes to see, and so they won't see anything either! And then after there was an incident at our local Walmart where there was a predator in the bathroom that tried to get a 10 year old boy, I refuse to let them go into a big bathroom by themselves. If it happens to be a single bathroom and I can stand outside the entire time, then ok, but otherwise it ain't happening with me!Tonya Ingramhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03035295756087790022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-25488647429985828662010-04-17T19:52:41.622-04:002010-04-17T19:52:41.622-04:00This is an incredibly good question. My son is onl...This is an incredibly good question. My son is only 1 and a half, so I won't have to deal with this issue for a while, but it is something I have thought about before. I can't say as a mom what I will do, but I can say that whenever I am in the ladies' room and see a mom with her son, I don't even bat an eye. I just think of it as normal.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13069417648988456196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-86819301174189528142010-04-17T19:23:32.323-04:002010-04-17T19:23:32.323-04:00Thankfully, family bathrooms are cropping up more ...Thankfully, family bathrooms are cropping up more and more places. I would have a stroke if I had a single boy that I needed to send into the bathroom. However, you are blessed with two boys. If sending them in, I would send them both in, even if only one needs to go. Tell them that it is the buddy system. Do as you still do and stand outside the door. Yell in as you did if you need. If you are running with just one boy, take them into the ladies bathroom with you. <br /><br />So sad that we have to worry about these things, isn't it?Bailey's Leafhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16752350373632902394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-88909847954713625212010-04-17T18:35:57.824-04:002010-04-17T18:35:57.824-04:00THANK YOU for the comments. I am so glad no one ex...THANK YOU for the comments. I am so glad no one expects me to start sending them in solo anytime soon!!!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03903375700915031290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-35494796871232847452010-04-17T16:34:00.518-04:002010-04-17T16:34:00.518-04:00As a mom of three boys ages 8, 6 1/5 and 5 that ne...As a mom of three boys ages 8, 6 1/5 and 5 that never has her husband with on excursions because he passed away (cancer), this is something we face on a regular basis. If there isn't a family restroom available, they still go in the ladies' room with me. We don't go in one stall all together especially since my oldest has reached the point of modesty, but we do stand in front of the door so whichever one of us is in the stall can see our feet. While they complain about this more and more, they know it's the rule for safety.Bridgetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12055733288782301503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14642592.post-79460649617901363022010-04-17T16:20:07.279-04:002010-04-17T16:20:07.279-04:00We actually just discussed this with a local polic...We actually just discussed this with a local police officer; she came to our MOPS group to give us some advice about how to address good touch/bad touch with young kids.<br /><br />Basically, she recommended taking your boys with you into the women's restroom until they are nearing adolescence. She did says molestations in public restrooms are extremely rare. But since there's no harm having them go into a ladies restroom with you, why take the chance? In her words, she would much rather deal with a few disapproving looks from older women than risk her son's future.<br /><br />Personally, I'm glad more and more stores and restaurants are installing family restrooms. That is such a great solution.Kelly @ Love Wellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18037513409301217473noreply@blogger.com