Public Restrooms

[2goofballs]

At what age is it ok for kids to use a public restroom on their own?  For example, at a restaurant- when is it ok to let them leave the table on their own and go to the restroom?

[momto3infl]

My oldest is 11yrs old she has been going since she was 9yrs old-our son is 8yrs old and has just started going in last 6mths, and in resturants if we are near the restrooms then we will let our oldest take our youngest dd if not we will still go with her since she is only 5. 

[kimstack]

I would say 8 or 9.

My kids arnt that old yest but i have 3 nieces in the age range. that are very responsible and are independent.

[PinkLight]

I think it depends on where you are. I took my ds with me until he was probably 9. I just felt more comfortable--and I think there's more to worry about with boys.

[Snowflake2034]

My ds is 9 and he still comes into the Women's with me if his father isn't with us.

I'd say maybe a good guideline would be when u feel your child is strong enough to throw holy terror fit if God forbid anything bad did try to happen.. so when they are 20...LOL

[nelopyma]

It depends where we are.  In the very quiet DQ restaurant?  The 11 year old can go alone.  At the baseball stadium?  I'll go with her.  I also have a 6 year old daughter, so we all tend to go at the same time anyway, it's just easier that way.

[emilyrosenj]

My daughter is 9 and about 90% of the time I go with her.  If we are at a basketball tournament or in a situation like that I will let her and her friend who is 11 go together.  In the mall I go with her, on the road I go with her.  She stands in front of my "door" where I can see her feet until I'm finished.  There are too many crazies out there!!  If we are in a small restaurant and I can see the door, then I might let her go alone.

[NadiasMommy427]

My DD is 11 and I don't let her out of my sight when we are out in public. Too much happens in this world now and I will have my baby on the news for an amber alert.