When your son reaches school age, he’s going to want some bathroom privacy. Up until this point, whenever Junior had to obey the mandates of nature in a public place, Mom just whisked him into the ladies room. Not anymore.

To determine whether or not your young son is ready to go into the men’s room alone, ask yourself these questions:

• Can he handle all of the necessary potty skills? He should be able to do and undo his pants and wipe himself, and he should know that he has to wash his hands when he’s done.
• Does he dawdle in the bathroom?  Do a few practice runs at home to make sure your son knows the rules - no peeking under the stalls, no playing with the hands dryer, and absolutely no talking to strangers.
• Can he handle the equipment? If possible, find a one-stall public restroom, or take him into an empty ladies room, to show him how to lock and unlock a stall door, use the toilet seat cover or some strips of toilet paper on the seat, and work the faucet, soap, and towel dispenser.

Even if he’s able to manage perfectly well on his own, you’ll want to stand guard at the door. Tell him to call out if he needs help.

After one successful trip, his confidence will soar - and yours will, too.

To read about one mother’s first public men’s room experience with her son, read Anxiety at the Ball Park.