Boys in the ladies room

Heres a question...thought this would be a good place to post it because I dont have a clue how to handle.

At what age is it no longer appropriate for a little boy to go into the ladies room?

My 7 year old nephew will be coming in from out of town this weekend, and I want to take him into the city. Not sure what to do if he needs to use the bathroom. I dont know that I'm comfortable sending him into a public mens room alone, but I think that 7 might be a little old for him to go into the ladies room? Unfortunately DH will not be joining us, which would have made things easier.

Any thoughts?

Re: Boys in the ladies room

Bring him in with you. I bring my 9 year old in if we are in a busy congested place. Better safe than sorry.

If you do a search, this topic came up not too long ago.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

I think its fine. It does not bother me when I see boys in the ladies room.. if they were teens well thats a differnt story

Re: Boys in the ladies room

I would take him with you.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

Not sure if this is a good source, but this weekend in Saratoga I noticed a sign on the Ladies Bathroom door that said "No Boys Over the Age 9" are allowed.....at least some sort of organization came up with this random number

Re: Boys in the ladies room

as a woman (not yet a mom) i would have no problem seeing a boy that age in the ladies' room. better safe than sorry - especially in the city!

Re: Boys in the ladies room

Some places have family restrooms so maybe you'll luck out...

To me sending them into the mens room alone isnt always the big deal...b/c you basically know where they are..KWIM? What happens when you need to use the restroom? You cant leave them outside alone either...

I would just have him come in with you. Im sure it's not going to be an issue at all.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

As the auntie of 4 nephews, I know what you are talking about. Up until age 8 or 9, they were ok with the women's bathroom. After that, they didn't want to go in anymore. So, I used to take them to Starbucks, because there's usually a single unisex bathroom and I could send them in one at a time and wait outside the door.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

I wouldn't let him go alone in Penn Station or something, but a restaraunt or Starbucks or something like that usually has either unisex bathrooms, or smaller bathrooms w/ stalls ........

I personally think 9 is a little old for a boy to be in the ladeis room - Not like he's going to see anything, but HE might be uncomfortable with that -

What about asking what his parents normally do and follow their lead?

Re: Boys in the ladies room

I'd ask his Mother what she does. IMO 7 is fine in the ladies room. As another woman in the room, I'd rather see a boy in the ladies room and know that he is safe than have the adult with him send him to the mens room and worry.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

Re: Boys in the ladies room

My son is 7 in September. He can go into a one person bathroom by himself, otherwise I bring him in with me.

There isn't a chance I'd let him go to a public bathroom without supervision.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

bring him in with you.


my family was at the SI mall once...my 11 year old brother went into men's room solo....later he confessed some creep was in there asking him a ton of questions while he was trying to pee.

it could have gone much worse.

To me, its the equivlant of sending your son into a strangers house. you may get a good seed, you may get an empty house, you may get a nightmare.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

My sons go where I go. I will not leave my 7 year old son or my 5 year old son outside of a bathroom to perserve anyone elses sense of modesty. I don't know when I will discontinue this habit - but it isn't going to be anytime soon.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

I take my 7 year old in with me.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

Bring him with you. If anyone has a problem with it, to hell with them. You'll be more comfortable knowing he's safe.

Re: Boys in the ladies room

I don't care. My 8 year old comes into the ladies room with me unless it's a unisex bathroom. You never know what kind of wackadoo is in the mens room.

Message edited 8/29/2008 12:12:10 AM.