Child using a public toilet

[AntiSocialDistancer]

At what age have your children started using a public toilet without you? At the minute I've never done it, and I have one child with SEN but I sense the time is getting closer.

I just wondered when most people let their kids go to the toilet in public on their own?

5 - I usually take him but sometimes if there is a queue for the ladies toilets and no queue for the men’s and he’s desperate he’ll go in alone

As in public toilets do you mean places where they have been before like a cinema or swimming pool?

Then between 6-8.

@RedMarauder

As in public toilets do you mean places where they have been before like a cinema or swimming pool?

Then between 6-8.

Yes those sorts of places, thank you.

My DS is a sensible 7 and I'm on the cusp of letting him go in alone.

I think it was about age 6

Thanks so much everyone, I might make a start.

It depended on the setting (how big, busy, public) I've got 2 DSs (oldest has ASD and dyspraxia). I've been happier with them together. At 8, DS1 still mainly went in with me. 2020 was when he was 9 so not that much of a practical issue very often. At 10 he is generally OK with going into the mens. DS2 is more confident and generally OK. If he is going for a longer time then he does need an adult avaliable for back up and that can mean occasional use of the ladies still.

Depends on the toilets - DS1 is 5.5 and I'll let him run into the toilets by himself at the park (because the main door stays open), but not yet at places like the cinema.

(I don't let him run into the mens, I let him run into the ladies while I wait outside with the pushchair)

Depends where we are. My 2 boys have used toilets in restaurants aged 4 and 6. But I'm not that keen as often they'll decide to poop and need help wiping, which is awkward if they're in the gents. 🤣

If we all go together they do use separate cubicles now rather than squish into 1.