iggyandj Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 My 8 yr old son and I were at a store when he needed to use the restroom, so I took him with me into the ladies room. There happen to be a woman in there waiting on her daughter, and when we walked in she says "He sure is big to be in here". A second later another lady walks in with her son (maybe 6) and the lady says "Gosh another one". As she walked out I saw that her shirt says CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN ACADEMY. What a hypocrite!!! So my question is, why is OK for a mom to take her 8 yr old daughter to the restroom with her but it's not ok when that child is a boy? It's not like there are naked females running around in there. Why the double standard? Aren't they both children that need protecting? In this day and age you have no idea who could be lurking in a restroom waiting to hurt an innocent child. If you disagree, read the following link and maybe you will change your mind. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Wilson_(murderer)
tinktronik Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 No, its not wrong .When you hear news stories about children being sent into restrooms and being attacked ; the only logical explanation is to take your child with you to the restroom.
JamesM Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 As the father of four, I can understand your concerns. But I would like to put a different twist on it. (BTW, your link did not work...at least for me, so I did not read the article). I am paranoid also about my boys being molested or something. Statistically, it is not anymore likely than many other tragedies, but it is a great concern. I rarely let them go in a bathroom without me...well, now they are getting older, I guess I do. And the reason is that unless I am waiting outside of the door, there is the possibility if we are in a strange town that someone can entice them to follow him. And my wife will let them go alone in the mens room but only if with an older (11 and 12) brother. She has brought them in her bathroom when younger. Usually the cut off age is around six....who knows why. But here is the twist. A couple of weeks ago, we went swimming at the health club where my wife is a member. I had my boys with me in the mens locker room, and as allowed, a man brought his two girls (who were supposedly under five as the sign says they should be...but they looked older). My thoughts were that I would not do that. First, there are many naked men in there. I even had to warn my own younger boys that they should not stare...even if they were just curious. And most are at least at the age of the father. There are naked boys in there. Those girls had no choice but to pass by many of them while they were dressing, using the toilets, and yes, even when these men were showering because the showers had no doors.. Is my concern for the men? Yes, but not as much as it is for the girls. Did the girls change in the locker room? I didn't watch, but I am guessing that they put their bathing suits on and took them off in there. Could other men have watched if they wanted to? Yes, because there was no area with private changing areas. To me this was just plain wrong for this father to do. So, is it advisable in all situations to allow parents to take their children in bathrooms or locker rooms with them? I don't think so. As for the women in the restroom being concerned...I find that almost humorous. Women don't have open stalls like men do. When fathers bring their daughters into a mens room, there is always the likelihood that some part of a man could be seen. But (so I am told) women usually don't walk around partially clothed in a restroom.
Author iggyandj Posted November 13, 2007 Author Posted November 13, 2007 James- Thank you for the post and the alternate view. Try this link, not sure why wikipedia links always do that... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Wilson_%28murderer%29 I know that the likelihood of him getting hurt in a situation like this is so miniscule, but I would NEVER forgive myself if it actually did and that thought never leaves my mind. I also agree with you that it was wrong for these girls to be in a men's locker room(for them more than the men). So you're right, it's not right in all situations. So what's a dad to do? Cover their eyes as they lead them in? I'm not sure, it's a dilemma on both sides. I am trying to remember what my dad did when I was little, but back then the world was more innocent. I know I have seen Family Restrooms, but we need more, in more places.
quankanne Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 you should have smiled sweetly and said, "well honey, they'd arrest me if I tried going into the men's room …" and gone about your business. frankly, she needed to be taken behind the barn and beaten – I don't think there's such a thing as being overly protective of your children in certain situations. and yes, they've got family restrooms in some of the newer stores, I wish they'd embrace the concept everywhere. Even though I don't have rugrats, I feel for those parents having to deal with that particular situation in public, esp. the dads watching little bitty ones.
tinktronik Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 you should have smiled sweetly and said, "well honey, they'd arrest me if I tried going into the men's room …" and gone about your business. frankly, she needed to be taken behind the barn and beaten – I don't think there's such a thing as being overly protective of your children in certain situations. and yes, they've got family restrooms in some of the newer stores, I wish they'd embrace the concept everywhere. Even though I don't have rugrats, I feel for those parents having to deal with that particular situation in public, esp. the dads watching little bitty ones. Yep .I get a lot of snotty comments about dragging my 3 into the ladies room , you just ignore it .Many times the parents with same sex kids say mom with only a daughter does not actually understand the situation.
Mustang Sally Posted November 13, 2007 Posted November 13, 2007 I can certainly empathize with this situation. All I can say, is I'm glad to see more "Family" bathrooms - larger, one person/family use - cropping up in stores and at the pools we frequent. It's tremendously helpful if you are a solo parent with kids of both genders.
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