Boys using ladies loos

ohreally

avogadro wrote: »

I have had a quick google but I haven't been able to find out what the law is regarding gender segregation and public toilets

Providing its a cubicle there is no problem. May public buildings (hospitals) have facilities that are not gender designated - why should it be?

CRANKY40

My son is 9....I think it depends where you are and when. At the cinema/zoo etc where you are more likely to be surrounded by families he uses the gents. At certain McDonalds in our nearest city he comes with me as staff regularly throw drug users out of the gents. The museum is deemed safe but at the mainline (very big and busy) train station I would take him with me.

I don't have a problem with anyone keeping their children with them whatever their age.

dandelionclock30

The woman who complained was an idiot.
I would have taken the child to the loo with me, I think you did the right thing OP. I can think of some loos that I wouldnt be happy with anyone using.
Toilets can attract a lot of anti social behaviour and its better to be sensible really.

Make-it-3

I think its more difficult when my OH has to take DD to the toilet when out with her alone, her having to see the urinals.

Also, it makes me shudder about possible splashes on seats in the cubicles.

Not sure what age it would be better for her to go it alone in the ladies, she's only 3.

ciderwithrosie_2

I'd have flushed her head down the toilet... what a foul woman!!

CRANKY40

I was thinking that too Make-it-3, that it must be harder for a dad with a daughter. I have to admit that the one that had me beat was the baby in a pram scenario. Exactly what do you do with your precious offspring when you are out alone with them and you need the toilet? Take the baby with you and lie it on the toilet floor (yuk) whilst hoping your pram and shopping will still be there when you come out? Leave the baby and be as quick as you can whilst hoping the baby and pram will still be there......and so on.

kingfisherblue

One of my sons is 16 and has Down's Syndrome. I usually take him into the disabled toilets, but the other day I had to take him into the ladies' with me, as the disabled toilet was in use and he really needed a wee. He was born with several digestive conditions and toilet training has taken years - he finally succeeded in April this year! So I don't want him waiting for ages.


As far as I know, no one had a problem with me taking him into the ladies', but if they did, it would be their problem, not mine. The woman that you came across was obviously irritated because your son was with you, but I would rather be sure that a child (or vulnerable adult) was safe. As others have said, though, it can depend on where the toilets are situated. It can also depend on the maturity of the child, how much volume there is in the ladies' (because you don't really want your son to be waiting for fifteen minutes outside the toilets while you queue), and whether there is anyone with you who can accompany your son to the gents instead.


OP, I wouldn't worry about it. You made the right decision for your son at the time, and that is all that matters.

lostinrates

Kingfisher, a situation like your sons is something I was mindful of when I posted. Or would someone make an older man wait if he needed the loo and the mans were closed for cleaning or something?

Of more inconvenience are usually teen girls in some places doing each other's hair and make up .

kingfisherblue

There's also the fact that some public toilets have male cleaners - the ones at our local hospital do. Would anyone object to them doing their jobs?

BigAunty

I am not fussed about the age of male children accompanying female adults to the loo. Better in their parent's sight.