How to get ds1 out of the bathroom!

[OneInEight]

So ds1 has locked himself in the bathroom. Any ideas to get him out and into school - the more light-hearted the better to keep my spirits up! Currently, trying to bore him into submission. He is a stubborn little soul so will no doubt take a few hours!

2 hours and counting!

BTDT!

It's not like he'll even want to come out for a toilet break - but, he might get hungry.

After DS1 started locking himself in, we changed the bathroom lock for the sort that could be undone from outside with a coin.

Is he safe? Could he harm himself in there? (You don't say how old he is).

If he is safe...perhaps just leave him.

If he is unsafe, break down the door to get him out, then change the locking system.

3 hours now! Banking on hunger driving him out. There is the odd banging noise so I know he is still alive!

How old is he? Would the smell of cooking bacon entice him out? The promise of cake for breakfast? I take it the whole "that's fine I'll go without you, byyyyyyyyeeeee!" Lie won't cut it?

Can you do something downstairs that sounds interesting/really unlikely so that he comes out to find out what is happening?
I don't know - the sounds of a horse galloping round the living room?
Noise as of the TARDIS landing?
One half of an intriguing telephone call that might just concern him?

(Disclaimer: I have not idea what might pique his interest...)

He's ten. Its been a while since I could get him out by the goodbye trick. I think he is quite safe in there so won't break down the door quite yet - not sure if I could actually.

Strange sounds from his bedroom so that he wants to know what is happening to his stuff?

one I'm lucky ds1 is 5 so that still works for me.

Good luck :)

Could you tell him you're worried and may have to call the fire brigade to come and get him out (as long as you would follow through!).

does he like bacon sarnies? cook some bacon?

He eventually came out at 11.30 after being told his Dad would have to come home from work and break the door down! He is now in school. I wish them luck.

Are you taking the lock off?

Glad he came out. It's for this very reason we have no locks on bathroom doors...

Problem with taking the lock off is it will severely distress ds2 - I have enough problems getting him to get dressed/undressed without adding the embarrassment factor that someone might walk in. Will have to do something though as can't go through this every morning!

That's tricky.

What a morning one, hope you are ok.

I agree about the kind of lock that can be opened from the outside, it could save some stress at least.

I think though that even if you get him out of the bathroom he will find another way to prevent you getting him out of the house.

Just wondered if he would get in the car if you offered to phone his Head teacher to come and get him? I am only asking because when I was struggling to get Dd3 to school and I told the HT he offered to come and get her for me. I havent had to do it but at least I know it wouldnt be an empty threat if I did get to that point.

Really feel for you

Oh gosh. That was not the best start to the week, well done for getting him to school.
I do agree with pp about getting locks you can undo from the outside, it has definately made my life easier. (well accept from when my dc decided they can't wait to tell/ask/show me something and just let themselves in!)

You could get rid of the lock and have a laminated 'free' or 'busy' he could stick to the outside of the door when he is genuinely using the bathroom.

Might shift the problem though if he is avoiding problems at school.

Oh yes I forgot to mention that

The locks that open from they outside could result in you having indepth conversations with one or other of them while you are in the shower!!

I dont even both to lock ours now Dd3 just walks in, sits on the toilet and monologues at me while I have a shower.
Then when she has finished talking she just walks off leaving the bathroom door wide open!

I give up