What age for boys to go to men's toilets

[canlkeepthispen]

Not really an AIBU, but what age did you allow your DS to go into the men's toilets alone when out?

DS is 7, almost 8 and I feel this is far too young, but has asked to go to the men's if he needs the toilet when out. DD is 9 and I've just started letting her go by herself (depending where we are)

What age did you let your children go into the toilets on their own?

Six, with me waiting outside

Difficult as my son is 7 and has also started asking to use the men’s but I don’t feel comfortable with it

When you feel that your individual child could protect himself or raise an alarm.

Mine ate girls but have used the ladies alone since 6&8 (together) or 8yo alone when they are with their father or other male relative.

Mine were around 7

I told them to walk straight out if something made them feel uncomfortable or shout if they couldn't walk out

I'd let them at 7 with a few provisos

1. They show they can lock and unlock a toilet door in the ladies

2, thru know they have to use a cubicle

1. They know people won't expect to be spoken to and it's ok to ignore them and leave immediately if someone is speaking to

Them (the reasons for this can be expanded on with age)

When he could physically go on his own and wash his hands properly.

It was probably 8. It is hard at first but I always considered the women and girls that would not want my ds in their changing room or loo.
Funnily enough he was happy to go on his own so it was my issue not his.
And vice versa with my daughter when out with her dad, she stopped going into the men’s (with him) about that age and went in the ladies alone

My dd has just turned 7. Yesterday she went into the Ladies while dp waited outside for first time. He hated it, really wanted to take her into mens with him as usual, but she was fine. It’s tricky isn’t it, knowing when. I hate the idea of her alone in a public toilet (this was in a restaurant) but it felt like the right time.
Now I expect she’s going to constantly ask to go the loo in her own until the novelty wears off!

When your child says they are happy to go in on their own

Not everything has to be a big show

Depends where we are. We camp loads and my 5 year old DS will go in the men's on his own once DH has taken him the first time and made sure he can use the door lock and reach soap, etc. Out and about in general public toilets then he'll go in either men's or ladies depending who he's with but always with an adult. DD7, if out with DH will always go in ladies on her own. She knows to shout as loud as she can if she needs to attract his attention. Her biggest issue is she likes to faff about with the soap and water, so often needs some chivving along! If I don't need to go then I'm happy to stand outside the entrance doors and wait for her.