taking Gchildren swimming/changing rooms

good comments from all, and a problem that needs to be addressed, I had 2 daughters so never really had this problem, but unattended public toilets do throw up quite a big problem once you start to look at it especially when GS/GD are getting older, I suppose the same goes if granddads/dads take their daughters/granddaughters out as well, not really thought of that side of it. But I know I won't let GS out of my sight and if anyone objects then!! tuff!

I think GMs facing this problem should not hesitate to escort their grandchildren into the Ladies or Handicapped facilities. Better safe than sorry.GPs more difficult - escort into handicapped or stand guard outside Ladies, I suppose. I was placed in a difficult situation recently when my little GD wanted to go at a very busy motorway service centre. Used handicapped, but this will become more of a problem as the GCs get older.

Difficult.
An 11-year old girl was raped in the toilets of a supermarket near us. This has made me wary. My 7- year old grandson is asking to use the gents toilets now. Like Petra I hover by the door talking to him.
Just recently the 4-year old granddaughter has asked if she can go by herself. This is easier as I don't feel odd hovering by the ladies door but after the rape I memtioned no way will she be allowed this independence.

Yes can start to be a problem when they want to go in the appropriate toilets/changing room etc....but I would never let my GS out of my site any other time so I am reluctant to let him out of site to go to mens toilets etc etc , I remember many many yrs ago hearing a story of a little lad going down to them kind of toilets that you see at the seaside (the old tiled ones where you used to go down below ground down steps) I don't think there are many of them left now, thank goodness,and yes family toilets would be a good idea I think!

Never seen family toilets brilliant idea. My GS is special needs, so I try to persuade him to use the disabled toilet where I can stand outside. I always do stand outside the gents when he uses them. And shout out if I think he is too long. Like Petra I also get funny looks. Agree it is a problem when they want to be independent.

Only if they're monitored, I'd say, though...

I notice that a lot of public toilets , have family toilets , what a very good idea !

My GS is 10 and I still take him in the changing room with me at the pool, because this is what his parents ask me to do and I respect that. As regards public toilets, it all depends - sometimes it's easy to manage if it's a pub or a café where you can hang outside the gents, but I'm still unsure in places like motorway service stations and tend to take him in the ladies with me. I noticed in the loos at the Trafford Centre today that there is a separate section in the ladies that is for children only - what a good idea.

Not a problem with me and the swimming. But with the men's toilet situation, I have been in this situation. What I do is stand as close to the door as I can and just keep talking to him all the time. I have had some funny looks, but I don't care.