Whenever I’m out with my teenage son, there’s a good chance he’ll need to use the restroom. And let’s be honest—so do I! Back in the day, when he was a little kid, it was perfectly normal for me to take him into the women’s restroom. Honestly, no one batted an eye. He was just one of many little boys tagging along with their moms, and frankly, I was more concerned about my own bladder than anyone else’s opinions.
However, my son has grown up. I mean, really—how rude of him to suddenly be 5-foot-4 with a deep voice and hairy legs! This lanky teenager now follows me into women’s restrooms like it’s the most natural thing in the world, but here’s the catch: I’m not about to let him wander into a public restroom alone.
I’ve started planning my errands around places that have single-stall restrooms, which I know I can send him into without worrying about his safety. And let’s face it, I need to go too. So do I want to dash into one restroom while he’s in another, praying I get back in time? No thanks! And can we talk about how women’s restrooms always seem to have the longest lines? Seriously, ladies, why does it take us so long? Oh right, because we often have kids in tow!
So, if you see my son accompanying me to the women’s restroom, please understand there’s a reason for it. As a mother, I have to prioritize his safety, and it’s not just about convenience. My son has autism and intellectual disabilities, and I need to be there to support him. If you’re worried about him seeing something he shouldn’t, that’s on you.
Truthfully, I’m not thrilled about this arrangement either. He’s 13, and I can tell he’s not exactly keen on bathroom trips with Mom. I notice the double-takes from other women when he walks in, but trust me, he’s learning the right etiquette—like putting the seat down!
After all these years, I’ve grown indifferent to the side-eyes we get in public restrooms. If you have a problem with it, feel free to take a picture—it’ll last longer! But honestly, what other options do I have? Stay home? Compromise his safety? Hold it in until I burst? Sorry, but I’m not risking a UTI over someone else’s discomfort.
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In summary, until we see more family-friendly restrooms, my son is coming into the women’s room with me, and that’s just how it is.