What age to send DS into men's room alone?

goodheartedmommy

I don't think Ethan is anywhere near an age to go into a large one by himself, but I have sent him in bathrooms that don't have stalls by himself so I don't have to drag my stroller in. That doesn't really count since I can stand there with the door held open, but I'm just curious what age they start going by themselves. I remember being afraid of being in a big restroom by myself at like 7!

mauceddie

Five.

Our swimming pool doesn't have family change rooms and they have a sign asking that "school age" children go into the correct change-room.  That's where I got my number from...

 

cnybride2be

no time soon. i guess when he refuses the ladies room with me. seriously, my dh doesn't even like to use many public men's room.  they sound like a scary place to me.

stacynikki

Grade school?  I don't know.  I'd be afraid to let him go by himself until he was like 10!!  Too many pervs.

mom2one

Oldest DS is almost 10 and he goes in alone with me standing right outside the door if DH isn't available. I check first if there are any men in there too.  If DH is there, he always goes in with DS. Younger DS usually still goes in with me and he is almost 7.

DandelionMom

Kate is almost 9 and I don't send her to the bathroom alone. 

oparcm

Seriously, on field trips we don't send our fifth graders alone.  We always send two or a male teacher goes on the trip.  I've gone with the six grade teachers to be the female teacher.  I think public restrooms are scary places.  I think 5 is way to young.

JOEBunny

5 here too.  The local Y, museum, ect all have signs saying 5.

[Deleted User]

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#6

If I have the girls with me L has to go with us to the Lady in a dress room.  If its just the 2 of us he can go to the mans room.  I stand there and if he isnt out in under 2mins I open the door and ask him if he is ok.  It is rather rare that this happens but so far have never had a problem.  Im standing at the door the entire time.  It started back in the summer right after he turned 4 in May.  I dont see a problem with it.  

Now Im not sure when I will allow him to go in the mans room alone while I go into the ladies room.  Probably not for a long time.  If I have to go they will all go in with me.  If just the kids have to go I will allow them to go in each and I'll stand at the doors probably until they are 7-8 or older.  It just freaks me out that while Im in the restroom and they are outside waiting that someone might take them or they might wonder off.  I really wish that more places had family restrooms available.  My local mall has one and I love it.  Then one walmart sorat near us has one.  They are always super clean since the arent used as often.