Using the men's bathroom

A little - but then again I am very overprotective. My son is eight and I have been letting him go into the mens room on his own for about 7 or 8 months. It was hard for me, becuase I feel like that is a very vulnerable time for little boys, but I didn't want to emasculate him. I usually just wait right outside the restroom, or at least somewhere where the door is in my line of sight. If my husband is with us he just follows him into the mens room. I feel ok about it as long as I can keep the restroom door in view.
The difficult situation is when we are out somewhere, just my son and I, and I am the one who has to go! Unless it's unbearable, I just hold it until we get home.

I agree I think six is too young. However I am too overprotective.
My son is nine , he was eight when I was brave enough to let him go in the mens restroom alone.
I as well stand right next to the bathroom door....heart racing and all! But it is time.....
Good luck to finding a solution that will make you both happy.

My son is six and uses the men's bathroom, I usually walk with him to the door then ask through the door if anyone else is in there, then if there is, they have heard me and know I am close, and if there isn't - cool!

The rational part of me thinks, statistically the chance that someone at any of the bathrooms we are using are a danger is very, very, very small. High traffic, restaurant, stadium bathrooms seem safer than lower use bathrooms (like at parks). But, I'd hate to be wrong...

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

When my son started using the mens bathroom, right around the same age, I would take him to the door and he'd tell he how many people were in there. Then I'd give him 30 seconds (I would count down out loud so he could hear me) to do his business. He always went in a stall so he was "covered".

My other son is 4 now and he comes in with me. Every once in a while, if I'm in a familiar place (like the rink or Joannes) I let the two of them (older one is 10) go in together while I wait outside. They know I have no problem going in after them if the 30 seconds is up. It's devestating for mom to go in the mens room, so they hurry as fast as they can!

However, use your best judgement. You'r mom sense is NEVER wrong.

I will be honest. I am terrified to let my son use a restroom by himself! I am very VERY protective of him and it scares me to think of the nasty people there are in the world.

I would like to think that by the time my son is 6 or 7, I may feel a little more at ease, especially knowing that him and I have discussed the risks of him going in on his own more productivley (sp).

I wouldn't say it is too early, but I do tihnk it is great that you are cautious. I know I will be!!! :-)

"Everything will be OK in the end. If EVERYTHING is not OK, it is not the end"

Thanks everyone. I relieve to know that it's not just me feeling this way. Lots of good suggestions for dealing with this

Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.