Boys in the ladies room

[Sass508]

okay I'm sorry if this isn't  the proper place to be asking this question but I figured its mommy related and I don't know who else to ask. personally I would never get offended by a mom bringing her son into a public bathroom no matter how old he is, unless he's a teenager or something. But I was wondering how old is too old? My son is 6 and I would hate to leave him in a store by himself while I'm using the bathroom and because I'm pregnant I do have to pee a lot more than usual. Is there a certain age where it becomes not Right anymore? obviously he won't be coming with me when he's 9 or 10 or something but I was just wondering what you ladies thought

[bbybootz83]

It took me a whole to let mine go to the men's bathroom but now that I have been since he has been 8 I stand right out the door. Also when he did come to the ladies I just got him to stay by the sinks so he didn't get embarrassed.

[0_LING_0]

I started having my son use the men's bathroom by himself when he was about 9 but as long as I am right outside the door. hes 12 now and he's a smaller child so doesn't really look that old but I always make sure I'm still right there. I totally know how u feel about sending them into a place with strangers alone. I remember the first few times I did it I held the door open with my foot and made him talk to me the whole time. Its better to b safe than sorry!! I never have thought it was weird to see other mothers with their boys in bathrooms at all, I say do what makes u feel ur son is safe!!

[Sass508]

Becca, I hope your boys know that we totally understand and are not bothered by them being in the bathroom. Most people should understand it's just for their safety.

Thanks everyone :)

[becca87C]

My boys are 7&9 and if they need to use the bathroom I take them to the ladies restroom with me. I've never had an issue with them going under the stalls or anything, and no one has ever said anything to me about it. But I honestly wouldn't care. I rather I know my boys are safe and least at risk. I've been through abuse and seen one too many incidents on the news to feel completely comfortable with letting them use the men's bathroom when their dad isn't with us. They totally don't like it though.

[simplyymee]

My 5yr old goes with me. My 7yr old goes by himself. It really depends on the place also

[lurooney]

I think bringing a 6 year old into the bathroom with you is absolutely fine..id say up 9 or 10 would probably be the time to stop but if a 9 or 10 year old is not mature enough or wants to with mom personally that wouldnt bother me either,they are still only young kids..teenagers now would be a no no id imagine for most women to see in the ladies bathroom

[Dametrice]

I keep all mine with me because some are sick out there in the men restroom. I recall a lady saying something about my nephew being to old to be in there until she heard me come out and ask him was he done and he said yes mam. She was mute. My friend hold the door and have her teenage sons count how many men are in there and she count them off as they leave to be sure no one stays in too long. Here in California a man was in the bathroom and fondled at least three teens with the possibility of it being more because only those retorted it.

[mom4live]

My oldest is 6 and then I have a 4 year old and I'm  pregnant. If we see out and about and they see just with me they go when I'm in the restroom or they come in. If it's a one person restroom the 6 year old can go by himself. When my husband us around they go to the mens. It so true, such a scary place to live now a day's.  Congratulations  to you all!

[Sass508]

Thanks ladies. It's usually ME that has to use the bathroom and I don't want him to stand outside of the bathroom alone. I know what you mean about little kids peeking under the stall (so creepy!) But he is older and a bit shy so he doesn't do that. Maybe next year I'll send him into the men's room, he will probably want to anyways. I just don't like leaving him if it's a restaurant or store when I have to go. :)

[unknown_jones]

I say whatever your comfortable with. My son is 7 and uses men's room, once he noticed the difference of signs he didn't want to use ladies room. I still stand directly outside door, let him know I'm a scream away and will come in if he's taking too long. I also try to make sure he's alone in there, it's so scary because your sending your kid into a room of strangers without you. I usually feel bad for confused dads alone with small daughter who has to use bathroom. Anyway whatever your comfortable with, I don't think many ladies will judge you and if so who cares your only going to be a min.

[schenner2]

I say bring him in with you until you feel he is mature enough to go in the mens room alone.  I only have a little girl but would never judge a mom who brought at 7 or 8 year old boy into the womens room.  The world is a scary place and sending a 6 year old into a room full of men alone seems scary to me.

[Pandomatic]

I'd say up to about 9-10. A lot of women feel uncomfortable having boys in the restroom since some of them don't know how to behave. I've had children crawl under the stall while I was trying to do my business. As long as your son knows that it's not appropriate to climb into a stall or look through the cracks in the door while another lady is trying to go, it should be okay.