Bathrooms and boys and moms

Hi all--

I leave this week for Mexico with my 8-year old son and we'll be traveling by bus once there. My son is now at an age that requires that he use the men's room when he has to use the bathroom, but I feel uncomfortable letting him go alone at busy bus stations/public bathrooms (that's true in big cities anywhere for me--but usually my husband can accompany him, however he won't be on this trip). Other than requiring him to wear "Goodnights" (overnight bladder protection for older kids) which he finds humiliating because it's basically a diaper, does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

When mine were that young I had them go with me. The boys' embarassment kept them from making eye contact with the women in the restroom, which probably made it look like they were being discreet! Besides, the majority of women will understand totally. As they approached adolescence, I sent the boy into the men's, but propped opened the bathroom door and stood there with my back turned. Every once in a while I'd say, "You okay in there, bud?" I never had anyone say anything to me, except a couple of dads commiserated on the difficulties of taking kids to the bathroom these days!

Once, one of the boys didn't answer my call. I headed right on in, and just apologized to the man washing his hands. My kids' safety is way more important than propriety.

If he is shy using the girls toilet, give him one of those pocket alarms and let him go with the boys. I had more trouble in Australia than overseas when I was that age. Finding some paper and a clean seat is the only real drama I came across.

Have him pee outside on a tree. Really. My wife used this when she had my youngest by herself.

I used the same approach as #1, stood very close outside the door, opened it and called in every few minutes. I never had to go in but wouldn't have hesitated to if I thought it necessary. As a single mom,I did a lot of this.

I would definitely take him in with me. I have a 10 year old, and have normally take him in the ladies when travelling, or even in Britain, depending where we are. Your sons safety is the most important thing, and isnt worth taking any risks with. The other thing is to look for disabled toilets, which are often 'stand alone' unisex, and you could wait outside the door there.