How to Take Your Son to the Bathroom in Public.............

I know exactly what you are going through. I've got a five year old who is the size of an eight year old. I've gotten some pretty odd looks before and even was told he could not be in there by an employee. I try to use the family restrooms when they are available.

I do have to share a story: We were in Lowe's once and my son had to use the restroom. He was determinded to go into the mens room. I just stood outside the door. Well here is my son screaming for me to come help him, because there was no toilet paper. I was at a complete loss of what to do. I kept telling him I couldn't go in there. Thank fully a male employee checked the bathroom to make sure I could go in there and he stood outside the door to hold off anyone.

That's when I had to sit him down and tell him if he wants to use the men's restroom, he needed to check he has everything he will need, not to talk to anyone and hurry it up. Also I told him if he ever felt like ANYONE was trying to touch him. Yell as loud as he could. I just stand right outside the door and listen. If he's taking longer than what I expected I ask him if he's okay.

Best of luck!

Hi J.,
I have a 6 y/o son also and here is what I do..
If we go somewhere and he needs to use the bathroom and my husband aor my 15 y/o son is not with me I only let him go into the bathroom that has a single stall or 2. If we go to a place where there is a bathroom and they have alot of stalls like the center or somewhere like this I mnake him go in with me. My fear is that there will be a child molester in the bathroom at these places and they will find easy targets such as our kids using the bathroom. I have 4 kids all together so when 1 of us has to use the bathroom we all do, I have a 3 y/0 girl and a 7 month old little girl and then my 2 boys. I would just explain to your son the reasons why. Also if I do allow him to use the bathroom with alot of stalls in the bathroom I have him go to a stall and lock the door and then hurry out and tell him not to worry about washing his hands I have hand sanitizer he can use.
I feel like this we can not have our kids live in fear all the time as we can not either but we have to keep a look out when we are out with are kids or by ourselves.
I always look and wait a few minutes before my kids go in to see who comes out or who has gone in.
Theres nothing to say that someone couldn't go into the ladies room when we are using it also. I feel uncmfortable when other people are around me and take my time when other people are in there. Hope this helps you W. mom of 4.

Alot of places offer "family" restrooms. I know Independence Center, Target and Walmart all have them. They are designed just for that. At Target its actually a handicapped restroom located over by the pharmacy.

I heard a wonderful idea the other day from a mom that was experiencing the same dilemma. She and her sons use walkie talkies. Whenever he goes into the restroom he keeps the walkie talkie with him so they can communicate. Of course she also is outside the door. Good luck!