Question about public toilets?

[mumma_lion]

At what age do you think it becomes inappropriate for a boy to go into the female toilet with his mother?

Thanks heidi

[The[cookie]Doctor]

I think it differs with everyone, I remember still taking my first brother at about six, but my second brother probably stopped around four (likely as he had the older brother to take him)
If it's a public toilet (like say in a park) I think safety comes first and stuff what anyone else says. In a restaurant it's a bit different, but do what you feel comfortable with.

[foreva*your*mummy]

I have also had this problem. I hate the thought of my oldest 6yr old DS soon to be 7 in dec, going to the public toilets by himslef. There was a story when we first moved to WA about a young 7yr old girl who was rapped and killed in a public toliet in the mall while her dad and brother waited outside the womens toilets !!!.
I just done feel comfortable with it at all. My DS is a very big boy and people often mistake him for being older than he is, which is hard in this situation.
There was a poster put up at our public toliets in the mall saying that no children older than 6 should be in ther oposite sex toilet. I dont pay any attention.
Also I think it is a bit different for boys to go into the girls toilet as ours are all in cubicals and nothing will be seen, where as the mens have urinals.
I was no help sorry!! I think like cookie monster said as my son is the oldest its hard but he will be able to take my DS2 when he is old enough, IYKWIM??

[aussienic]

My eldest is 9 now and only in the last few months has he been taking himself to the mens toilets. if it is a busy shopping centre I try and get him to use the parents room but he is at that age so I stand right outside the door..

I only stopped him going to the ladies toilets when he started asking why he had to and that he wanted to use the boys toilets...

[mumma_lion]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. I have a long time before I really need to worry (son is only 9 weeks). But I think i will do what aussienic said "when he started asking why he had to and that he wanted to use the boys toilets"

[boomba]

I am undecided about this! i know they have to eventually but i worry about them being alone in a place where i cannot see them. i will probably do like Nic and let him go when he asks! But I will probably use the parents room with him!

I am like you Ds is only 11 months and wont need to use it alone for a long time! but its better to know hey!

[Dasharity]

I think it is entierly up to you, at the end of the day you dont have toilets at home one for boys and one for girls and it is not like you watch everyone doing their thing, my ds1 is nearly four and there is no way i will let him go on his own.