What would you do?? My boys are taking swimming lessons at a local pool. There are large, bright yellow signs posted all over stating that all boys ages 4 and up are to use the mens locker room rather than the womens locker room (with their moms). The thought of this is disturbing to me in the society we live in. I should mention, that my husband isn't available at these times to take them into the mens locker room. The pool does offer a "family dressing room" but it is just one room the size of a handicapped bathroom stall and generally there is a line a mile long waiting to use it.
I just don't feel good about sending them into the mens locker room alone knowing of all the "types" of people in the world today. I would be nothing for some other guy to molest or abuse my child in the few minutes that they are out of my sight. (Not to mention the fact that my boys are extremely friendly and willing to talk to people they don't know despite our attempts at the "don't talk to strangers" rule). Is it just time to let my boys grow up and be boys? Am I babying them? Am I being paranoid?
For now I take them with me to the womens locker room and have not had any complaints, however, today when dropping them off we stopped to use the potty and one of the aerobic teachers were using the rest room as well. She didn't say anything, but gave me the look of "uh exsCUSE me, you're breaking the rules".
What would you do???
Another random thought...
Have you ever gotten dressed in somewhat of a hurry in the dark, gone to the bathroom a few short hours later and realized your underware and shirt match exactly?? How in the world does something like that happen???
And yet, another random subject...
We went camping this past weekend. The kids and I had a great time and Anthony...well, he survived. (It should be said that my husband really does NOT like camping. He doesnt like eating outside, bugs, sleeping on the ground, being cold...etc.)
This was Elizabeths first time going camping and she did quite well. Much better than the boys did their first time. Here are some pictures from our eventful weekend. Needless to say, I am looking forward to going again next month! :)
5 comments:
Soooo cute! All of these pics make me want to go camping!
Good post!
Random thought #2---I'm waaaaay too unorganized to get dressed in the dark. I would end up with Steve's clothes on, I'm sure. Not to mention our room gets TONS of sunlight....does the sun really have to rise so dang early?
Random thought #3---I think it's so funny that Anthony doesn't like camping. Hee hee hee! He looked grumpy in that picture. :)
Pool Rules (random thought #1)---I saved this one for last since it's somewhat controversial. :) For me, I cannot stand it when I see little boys in the women's restroom and/or locker room....so I can understand the rule. BUT, I can also understand your side. There are way too many weirdos in this world. So, being the rule Nazi that I am, I would still follow the rules and send the boys by themselves. But would go over the stranger rule AGAIN (and again and again) and stand by the door and instruct them to scream bloody murder should they be approached by a mean person. I don't know---that's a tough one! Good luck! :)
I love that picture of you two in the sleeping bag! And that your husband goes camping, even though he doesn't like it. :)
We haven't gone with the kids yet. I'm such a chicken, we used to go every year at least once.
I think my oldest TOLD me that he was going to use the men's bathroom, and my 5 yr. old still(oops! he just turned 6!) goes w/me if we are at major public places, like the baseball game or the mall and my older son or dad isn't around. When my oldest started wanting to go by himself and I had the baby I just park outside the bathroom and I would have no problem marching right in there if he didn't come out in a timely manner. Of course that's assuming there isn't two ways out... As a mom I think you just have to go w/your instincts. I just try to make sure my son isn't misbehaving when he's w/me so no one can complain. If they do end up saying
something make sure he knows that it's very important that he come out ASAP and plant yourself in the door and talk to him, "Almost done? Are you about ready?"
Sorry this is so long! Hope it gives you some ideas. I found you through the Singerzwife.
Sorry I missed this one- you know I'm with you- take the boys with you, who cares what the rules say: safety vs. breaking the rules? Safety wins, and if anyone wants to argue with you on that point, let em have it! I wouldn't let my boys out of my sight at that age.
Post a Comment