After seeing it happen 4-5 times in the last week, I was wondering if I'm just over reacting. I don't really like explaining to DD why those boys have their pants down and we have to run to the bathroom. Also, don't really like DS watching this thinking it's okay. At the splash park the boys just go over to the side of the pavement and pee into the grass... I mean I guess it's better than in the water, but kids run in the grass too

[Poll]
Re: Little boys peeing in public, clicky
I would try to get them to a bathroom, but we would (and have) had them pee outside in emergency situations. One that comes to mind was while skiing. To get to the lodge/bathroom we would have had to go up the 10 minute chairlift then ski down the hill (easily another 15 minutes) so DD just peed in the trees at the bottom of the hill.
Another thought is maybe they had multiple children and packing them all up to run to the bathroom so their DS could pee would take too long or was VERY inconvenient. Personally if we were at a splash park with an easily accessible bathroom I'd use that. But I wouldn't immediately judge someone for letting their young child pee in public.
I agree. And no way would I ever have them pee outside just because I didn't feel like taking them to the bathroom. I just know there are certain situations where I can see the necessity of having them pee outside, even if there is a public bathroom somewhat nearby. So I wouldn't automatically judge someone.
This.
This.. and I've always taken them as far away from "public" as possible when we have to and explain :this is because there is NO potty around". I've even put a pull up on my 4 year old daughter (who's been potty trained for 2 years), just so she could pee in it and I put her underwear back on.
I also carry a small baby bjorn potty in my van and if the car is within walking distance, we go there. It's still "public" but at least they are on a potty!