Monday I was at the Mall of America with my youngest son, who is 3.5 years old. Living in the Twin Cities, the MOA is a frequent stop for us. We went on a few rides, then picked up lunch and headed home. Of course, like clockwork, as soon as we got in the car, my son announces he has to go to the bathroom. Ok, get back out of the car, let’s head back in to use the restroom. As we’re approaching the restrooms (thankfully they are right inside the doors), I notice a man entering the family restroom. Ok, that option is out. Let’s head into the Women’s restroom. My son stops immediately. “No, I want to go in the boys’ bathroom” he says. I have no problem letting my 6 year old son go into the Mens’ room by himself. I just stand outside and wait for him. He has no problem doing his business by himself, but my 3.5 year old?
I usually try really hard not to be a helicopter parent. I love reading the Free Range Kids blog, and one of the mantras that is always running through my head since becoming a mom has always been “pick your battles”. So, I agreed to let my 3.5 year old go in the bathroom by himself. I knew he has trouble getting his pants unfastened, so I did that for him before he went in. I was a little nervous, but less than 2 minutes later, he came walking out with a big smile on his face, and his pants down around his ankles. Luckily, he had a long shirt on, so nothing was exposed. I laughed a little, pulled his pants up for him, and we headed home.
Haha, that’s funny! My boy was insisting on going to the men’s room at 3yrs old as well. I let him, but the experience wasn’t nearly as cute as yours.