Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

AIBU to complain about these mothers?!

380 replies

Lindsay81 · 26/04/2015 12:13

AIBU to complain at the gym reception about mothers that bring their >6 year old sons into ladies changing rooms, despite there being signs to say this is not acceptable over this age AND family changing rooms being available?

After my workout I shower and change. I don't linger over this or choose to dry my hair completely in the buff (LOL) but nor do I want to cart all my stuff into one of those cubicles. I dry myself and get dressed. This is quite difficult to do with a 10year old boy's eyes nearly popping out his head due to him staring at you. I feel I should in some way keep my towel pinned to my sides with my elbows, while simultaneously attempting to pull my underwear on, resembling some sort of demented T-Rex.

Are you a mother that does this? If so, 1) Know that I detest you and 2) WHY?! Go into the family changing rooms!

AIBU to complain, especially about the ones that do it weekly?

OP posts:
TedAndLola · 26/04/2015 18:19

I don't think the men's changing room is teaming with pedophiles! I also don't think little boys are a threat to the dignity of women in the female changing room.

But clearly MANY women are uncomfortable with it and it IS affecting their dignity. Why do you get to decide what they should and shouldn't be okay with?

Knottyknitter · 26/04/2015 18:22

My mum can't swim. I used to go with dad.

Up to about 5, maybe 6 I changed with him in the gents. We moved house then, and I never went to the gents in the new local pool. To start with I'd have my cossie on under my clothes, so easier, but never a problem.

I now take dd swimming. If it's just us, I do the same changed underneath trick myself and we go in the ladies. If DP is coming too, we use the family changing, which is more than adequate. If he takes her alone, I suspect he uses the family room.

Hate seeing preteen boys in the ladies. Rule at our gym is 7th birthday. Fine by me, as I knew I was fine by then.

Surely these older boys manage to change for PE at school? Or does mummy go in?

MistressMerryWeather · 26/04/2015 18:23

I didn't say 8+ were small children.

I was talking about 6 year olds.

Dr0pThePirate · 26/04/2015 18:25

Ted, what age though? Is 7 ok?

And I'm not robbing anyone of their dignity. My son's 3. I'm trying to work out what age he shouldn't go into the women's. Some think 6 others 8.

MistressMerryWeather · 26/04/2015 18:25

I would assume that a mother who had an older child in with her probably had a good reason, though.

Original poster
Lindsay81 · 26/04/2015 18:27

Hey mumsnet- you know how you deleted Yarp's comment due to its harmful undertones which were completing unconnected to my OP? I think this is another one:

Dr0pThePirate

Yeah ok lindsay81, get a camera out in the changing room if you think it will help your point.

OP posts:
Dr0pThePirate · 26/04/2015 18:28

No don't delete that! It's funny!

Original poster
Lindsay81 · 26/04/2015 18:29

It's sick, Dr0pm

I'm assuming your a bit daft, because all other explanations are much more worrying.

OP posts:
MistressMerryWeather · 26/04/2015 18:29

You are supposed to report a post if you want it deleted.

Click the report button beside add message. It flags it to MNHQ.

Dr0pThePirate · 26/04/2015 18:29

You're the one who offered to take the picture anyway!

MythicalKings · 26/04/2015 18:29

I would assume that a mother who had an older child in with her probably had a good reason, though.

There is no good reason if the rules say 6 and family rooms are available.

Jessica2point0 · 26/04/2015 18:30

dr0p, why don't you just check the gym's policy before you join?

MistressMerryWeather · 26/04/2015 18:31

Well, there a lots of good reasons if you think about it.

Dr0pThePirate · 26/04/2015 18:32

Is it sick? You were being sarcastic, so was I!

What do you think I was getting atConfused

likalixer · 26/04/2015 18:32

I think some people deliberately post offensive comments to try and get a topic deleted Hmm
It happened on the 'Is your baby ugly' thread.
It was an interesting discussion, but then somebody came along, and
I think deliberately wrote something unsavory and bam - the thread was zapped.

Dr0pThePirate · 26/04/2015 18:35

Jessica, because there isn't one at my pool. Well not one that I've seen advertised. It's a council run pool though so not sure if that makes any difference.

MistressMerryWeather · 26/04/2015 18:35

I don't think Dr0p was being offensive.

OP got sarky, she got sarky back.

Somebodystolemyname · 26/04/2015 18:36

Who are these six year old boys who go to the gym? Are they doing a few runs on the tread mill and pumping iron while Mum does her circuits? Most bizarre.

Jessica2point0 · 26/04/2015 18:37

If there no rules, dr0p, then it is up to you. It might be worth checking though, because there's probably a rule that just isn't advertised well.

MistressMerryWeather · 26/04/2015 18:38

They are probably going for a swim with their mum in the gyms pool.

Original poster
Lindsay81 · 26/04/2015 18:38

somebody- the pool, kids clubs, karate, gymnastics, tennis, dance...

OP posts:
ChocolateWombat · 26/04/2015 18:38

Why would anyone think it was acceptable to take an older child into the women's changing room if there was a sign saying don't do it, and there was an alternative provided?

The only explanation is that they are selfish and think their desire to do it trumps the rules and what anyone else thinks.

blackcats73 · 26/04/2015 18:38

I agree with mistress. I thin op is being odd with some of her replies.

Original poster
Lindsay81 · 26/04/2015 18:39

Dr0p What did YOU think I thought YOU thought I was.... yawn

OP posts:
Original poster
Lindsay81 · 26/04/2015 18:40

Thanks everyone for your opinion on this one! Helped me determine in the circumstances I was probably not BU and the complaint went absolutely fine.

Have a nice Sunday night all! :-)

OP posts: