Comments on: Restroom Creates a Challenge to Father of Daughter

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:42:36 +0000

In reply to TR.

About two months ago I went out to eat with my 4 year old and about halfway through the meal she really wanted to wash her hands so I took her into the men’s room. There was a man using the urinal and while helping her wash hands she did get a few glimpses of him using it. I think he was aware she was a little girl but didn’t seem bothered by her being in there. On the way out she asked me what he had been doing and I told her “using the potty” and “boys and men stand because it’s easier”. She just said “Oh.” and didn’t bring it up again so I’m pretty sure it didn’t affect her at all. We as men can never use the other restroom but it’s all right for our innocent little girls to use the men’s if need be.

By: TR

TR — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 01:31:34 +0000

I’ve never had any issues. My daughter is 7 years old, but as long as I can recall, it’s just been a part of life. I take her to the men’s restroom and in to a stall. I’ve never ever had the impression that anyone else cared. I have always noticed that other boys or men understand the dilema and it happens so often that it’s second nature. Children also do not grow up in a day and realize the difference between male and female parts. When they do finally learn or ask…I simply say that boys and girls have different parts. A 3 or 4 year old child will not grasp the idea of any sort of sexual connotation if that is the concern. They certainly do not automatically associate the differences beyond the fact that they are simply different. Don’t sweat it! Don’t even think about it. If it makes a person feel any better, think about the fact that most teens up to senior citizens will not be concerned. If you are taking a girl in to the men’s restroom, you take them in a stall so there is a level of privacy for everyone involved.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 15:14:50 +0000

I have a 3 year old daughter. When out without her mom and there’s no one person restroom I have to take her into the men’s room. Most men either give us a quick smile or a look of recognition like, “Boy, that’s rough.” I think even the men without children can understand why we have to do it.

I’ve never intended to make anyone feel awkward or uncomfortable, there’s just not much else to do in the situation. But I would like to think she’s too young to make anyone feel that way regardless.

By: Mike Heenan

Mike Heenan — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:09:32 +0000

Both daughters, at 5 and 3, go with me into the men’s room unless there is a single occupancy women’s room available for my oldest in which case she can use it while I guard the door. I’ve never felt awkward or had issues beyond stressing that she’ll somehow lock me out.