Bathrooms

When I was a kid in a public place with my mom and would have to go to the bathroom, she would have me accompany her in the women's for the longest time. This was a frequent event as I had the world's smallest bladder and had to go to the bathroom all the time and everywhere. I don't know how old I was before she let me go in the men's by myslef, but it took long enough that there were a couple awkward years there. She was worried about creeps in the men's room.

Senator Craig reminds us again of the creeping kinds of things that can go on in public bathrooms, but are we paranoid? Are we really taking much of a risk by letting our child go into a bathroom alone while we camp out mere feet from the bathroom door?

Recently I had lunch with a friend. When the 4 year-old announced a bathroom need, my friend nicely offered to accompany her to the women's bathroom. I thought it was nice mostly so I could keep an eye on the baby. I bring her in the men's bathroom when she needs to go again an hour or so later. I've heard from one source that parents should feel comfortable bringing their opposite-sex children in public bathrooms up to 7 years in age. I think 'M' is almost there though. Mostly, she needs to learn to flush and wash hands every time. I should probably stop dragging her into the men's room pretty soon. Am I thinking about this wrong?