OT - Please Help Ladies!! Restroom Etiquette - Your Opinions Needed!!

If regular stalls were bigger, mothers with toddlers wouldn't need to use
the handicapped stalls. However, I've been in stalls so small there was
barely room for me to use it, let alone help 1 or 2 toddlers use the toilet.

We don't use the stall any longer than we have to, and we are glad when it
is there for us to use. Well, Giles isn't. The super big toilet scares her.

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
De-Fang email address to reply
"C. Mathews" wrote in message
...
Just have to jump in on this issue.

I am a handicapped person. I can only use the handicapped stall.

I have been made to wait while employee's smoked and took their break,
while
people read, threw up etc.

It is so unfair and I can see no justification on anyone using a space for
the handicapped.
Line or no line.

That is not what they are intended for.

Same for handicapped parking. I have come out of a store with a week's
load
of groceries, in the rain, only to find that some person had pulled their
car so close to mine that I cannot open the door fully to get in. I have
had
to go back into the store and ask the manager to come out and back my car
out of the space.

When I worked, on rainy days, I would have to circle the block, until the
unauthorized person decided to come out and move their car.

And while I am on my soap box, I agree with the ladies, that boys old
enough
to get their own pants up and down, should NOT be in a ladies bathroom.
The
same goes for dressing rooms. I had this problem at the local Y.

I see no reason, a father cannot take his little girl into the men's room
if
he first checks to see if any other men are in there...same for women
taking
their sons in the ladies room.

However, as a patron, I would be asking myself, is this person really this
child's parent??? How are we to know??

Carla

"Teresa in Colorado" wrote in message
ink.net...
Marie,
I respectfully disagree. Using the restroom takes just a few minutes,
unlike using the handicapped parking spot which takes much longer.

I will use the regular toilet if available, but if there's a line - I
use
what's available.
Heck - we have even been known to take over the mens restroom from time
to
time!!
It doesn't make sense to leave a facility unused when there's a line.

It is like the 9 item or less line at the grocery. If the cashier in
that
line is idle, he will often call over someone in line at one of the
other
registers, to get the lines down faster.

Also, when I had twins, in a big double stroller - I used the
handicapped
stall. The stroller didn't fit into any of the little stalls.

It's a matter of common sense. You don't use the handicapped stall if
someone in a wheelchair is in line - you let them use it. But if it's
the
only empty spot and there's a line (or a special circumstance), you use
it.
Alas, common sense is not all that common.

I think we should worry about all the people who abuse the handicapped
spaces - that is not right. I even know people who have handicapped
plates
who definately don't need them - not even for a hidden disability.

--
Teresa in Colorado

The Presser Foot
Sewing Machine Sales, Service, Supplies, and More
www.thepresserfoot.com
--
"Marie Lewis" wrote in message
...
In article . net,
Jalynne writes
She will take him in, and try to use the wheelchair accessable stall
(heck, i use that stall with my own child)


Please! do not do this. It is only one step from using disabled
people's parking spots.
--
Marie Lewis






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The bathroom to be called the "water closet" in the 19th century because
that was where you went to "make water" or pee into a chamber-pot. These
closets were usually located or connected to the kitchen. There was no
running water and the water had to be carried and poured into a tub in order
for one to have a bath.

It isn't so hard to figure out why "we" Americans call it the bathroom.
That's exactly what it is, a place to take a bath in our homes. When you're
out on the road traveling, you stop to rest for a few minutes and use the
toilet, hence the term..............restroom.
Shelly


"Marie Lewis" wrote in message
...
In article , "juliasb(nospam)"
writes
When my girls were very little my now ex would take them in with him
only AFTER he checked to be sure there was no one in the rest room. If
there was he would wait. He also kept a small note that he could
attach on the door if necessary to say 'father taking daughter to the
bathroom please wait 5 minutes for us to complete her task.'

Just as a matter of interest, why do Americans use euphemisms like "
rest room" and "bath room?"

No criticism intended: I am just interested.

To explain to those who do not know, the British term "loo" comes from
the old cry "Garde à l'eau", distorted to "Gardez-loo". This meant
"look out for the water" as people in earlier centuries emptied their
chamber pots into the street below!

We also use "toilet" (the usual term), "bog" (which is slightly
improper) "lavatory" which is incorrect, of course and other terms.
--
Marie Lewis


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(Gently snipped)
It isn't as though I'm hurting the disabled person by using the empty
stall, not when she's not there. And this has nothing to do with parking
spots.

I agree Julia! The person would probably have a longer wait if a handicapped
person was using the stall. I prefer to use the handicapped stall myself ALL
the time just because there is usually much more room, and it's usually
cleaner. I've never once encountered a handicapped person waiting to use the
stall I was just in.
Shelly

"Julia Altshuler" wrote in message
news:Rq5sb.172565$Fm2.150272@attbi_s04...
Marie Lewis wrote:

Just as a matter of interest, why do Americans use euphemisms like "
rest room" and "bath room?"

The words start out as euphemisms, but everyone quickly learns what they
mean, and they start being normal words again. It is like any slang
that sounds cool or odd or inappropriate at first and then becomes so
ordinary as to be heard in the news.

No one wants to be crude (well, some do) so we don't get up from the
dinner table saying "I'm going to go ****." That's accurate but
impolite. Instead, we say "I need the ladies' room" or "just a moment
while I wash my hands" or "excuse me." Everyone can guess what's going
on, but there's no reason to dwell on it. Everyone has preferences for
what euphemisms they like. Personally, I can't stand "powder my nose,"
but that's just me.

In the U.S. we say "bathroom" for the toilet in a private home (even if
the bath is somewhere else) and either "restroom" or "men's room" or
"ladies' room" for the toilet in a public place such as shopping mall or
restaurant. I've also seen "public facilities" on a sign, but that's
newer, and I didn't know what it meant at first.

In Canada, they say "washroom."

You also asked about people who don't use wheelchairs using the stall
designed for them. In the vast number of public restrooms, there will
be a line of women waiting for a free stall. None of them use
wheelchairs. What on earth is the purpose of leaving the one stall
empty? Of course if someone in a wheelchair came in she could use it
the second it was available without waiting in line, but not using a
functioning toilet when one has to go strikes me as silly. It isn't as
though I'm hurting the disabled person by using the empty stall, not
when she's not there. And this has nothing to do with parking spots. I
AM hurting the disabled person by using the parking spot. By taking the
space, it isn't available when the disabled person drives up.

--Lia



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Marie, I think your more than capable of handling your own personal needs in
a bathroom. If not, maybe you should hire someone of the appropriate gender
to attend your needs when you travel. Neither of you would be very happy
with me should I chance across your hubby in a women's bathroom. ;o) Or
maybe better yet, go with your hubby to the men's room. If it's fine for the
men to come into the ladies room, then turn about is fair play, huh?
Can you not wheel yourself into the restroom, close the door behind you and
tend your own needs? If not, how do you manage when your dh is not at home
with you?
Shelly
Who doesn't think that grown men belong in the ladies rooms.
"Marie Lewis" wrote in message
...
In article , Charlie
writes
I personally don't think it's right for men to go in a women's loo


Why? Can my husband not help me, when I am in a wheelchair?
--
Marie Lewis


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I was under the impression the handicap stall was to accommodate
the area required for the special physical needs of a handicapped
person. It never occurred to me that this stall should be kept unused
but for them. I would differentiate the need from that of a parking
stall. Maybe I got the whole idea wrong but I don't get why any stall
should be going unused while others are waiting.
Taria

"C. Mathews" wrote:

Just have to jump in on this issue.

I am a handicapped person. I can only use the handicapped stall.

I have been made to wait while employee's smoked and took their break, while
people read, threw up etc.

It is so unfair and I can see no justification on anyone using a space for
the handicapped.
Line or no line.

That is not what they are intended for.

Same for handicapped parking. I have come out of a store with a week's load
of groceries, in the rain, only to find that some person had pulled their
car so close to mine that I cannot open the door fully to get in. I have had
to go back into the store and ask the manager to come out and back my car
out of the space.

When I worked, on rainy days, I would have to circle the block, until the
unauthorized person decided to come out and move their car.

And while I am on my soap box, I agree with the ladies, that boys old enough
to get their own pants up and down, should NOT be in a ladies bathroom. The
same goes for dressing rooms. I had this problem at the local Y.

I see no reason, a father cannot take his little girl into the men's room if
he first checks to see if any other men are in there...same for women taking
their sons in the ladies room.

However, as a patron, I would be asking myself, is this person really this
child's parent??? How are we to know??

Carla

"Teresa in Colorado" wrote in message
ink.net...
Marie,
I respectfully disagree. Using the restroom takes just a few minutes,
unlike using the handicapped parking spot which takes much longer.

I will use the regular toilet if available, but if there's a line - I use
what's available.
Heck - we have even been known to take over the mens restroom from time to
time!!
It doesn't make sense to leave a facility unused when there's a line.

It is like the 9 item or less line at the grocery. If the cashier in that
line is idle, he will often call over someone in line at one of the other
registers, to get the lines down faster.

Also, when I had twins, in a big double stroller - I used the handicapped
stall. The stroller didn't fit into any of the little stalls.

It's a matter of common sense. You don't use the handicapped stall if
someone in a wheelchair is in line - you let them use it. But if it's the
only empty spot and there's a line (or a special circumstance), you use
it.
Alas, common sense is not all that common.

I think we should worry about all the people who abuse the handicapped
spaces - that is not right. I even know people who have handicapped
plates
who definately don't need them - not even for a hidden disability.

--
Teresa in Colorado

The Presser Foot
Sewing Machine Sales, Service, Supplies, and More
www.thepresserfoot.com
--
"Marie Lewis" wrote in message
...
In article . net,
Jalynne writes
She will take him in, and try to use the wheelchair accessable stall
(heck, i use that stall with my own child)


Please! do not do this. It is only one step from using disabled
people's parking spots.
--
Marie Lewis



-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----

In article Rq5sb.172565$Fm2.150272@attbi_s04, Julia Altshuler
writes
Marie Lewis wrote:

Just as a matter of interest, why do Americans use euphemisms like "
rest room" and "bath room?"

The words start out as euphemisms, but everyone quickly learns what
they mean, and they start being normal words again. It is like any
slang that sounds cool or odd or inappropriate at first and then
becomes so ordinary as to be heard in the news.

No one wants to be crude (well, some do) so we don't get up from the
dinner table saying "I'm going to go ****." That's accurate but
impolite. Instead, we say "I need the ladies' room" or "just a moment
while I wash my hands" or "excuse me." Everyone can guess what's going
on, but there's no reason to dwell on it. Everyone has preferences for
what euphemisms they like. Personally, I can't stand "powder my nose,"
but that's just me.

In the U.S. we say "bathroom" for the toilet in a private home (even if
the bath is somewhere else) and either "restroom" or "men's room" or
"ladies' room" for the toilet in a public place such as shopping mall
or restaurant. I've also seen "public facilities" on a sign, but that's
newer, and I didn't know what it meant at first.

In Canada, they say "washroom."

You also asked about people who don't use wheelchairs using the stall
designed for them. In the vast number of public restrooms, there will
be a line of women waiting for a free stall. None of them use
wheelchairs. What on earth is the purpose of leaving the one stall
empty? Of course if someone in a wheelchair came in she could use it
the second it was available without waiting in line, but not using a
functioning toilet when one has to go strikes me as silly. It isn't as
though I'm hurting the disabled person by using the empty stall, not
when she's not there. And this has nothing to do with parking spots.
I AM hurting the disabled person by using the parking spot. By taking
the space, it isn't available when the disabled person drives up.

--Lia

I like the French system in supermarkets, where they also have check
outs with priority for expectant mothers and the disabled: those already
in the queue have to move aside.

France is very civilised.
--
Marie Lewis

-- We owe people with physical challenges the ability to lead as normal a
life as possible. We (able bodied) wait for stalls.. so should they.
However, in the cases you state the stall wasnt being used in the manner
anyone intended and I would have been upset if it had been the only stall
available to me as well.
Diana



"C. Mathews" wrote in message
...
Just have to jump in on this issue.

I am a handicapped person. I can only use the handicapped stall.

I have been made to wait while employee's smoked and took their break,
while
people read, threw up etc.

It is so unfair and I can see no justification on anyone using a space for
the handicapped.
Line or no line.

That is not what they are intended for.

Same for handicapped parking. I have come out of a store with a week's
load
of groceries, in the rain, only to find that some person had pulled their
car so close to mine that I cannot open the door fully to get in. I have
had
to go back into the store and ask the manager to come out and back my car
out of the space.

When I worked, on rainy days, I would have to circle the block, until the
unauthorized person decided to come out and move their car.

Any child who is capable of going to the bathroom totally
independently all the time at home, should be able to do it in a
public restroom.

If a parent is uncomfortable with the child going into a restroom
alone, they should take them into the one appropriate to the parent's
gender. Though if the child is older than 5 or 6, it is probably more
appropriate for the child to go into the gender appropriate bathroom
while the opposite gender parent waits by the door, unless there are
unusual circumstances pertaining.

NightMist



On Mon, 10 Nov 2003 18:05:17 GMT, "TwinMom"
wrote:

OK, so to make this a bit OT, I was away this weekend at a quilting retreat
(Had a GREAT TIME btw!) and the following item came up between DH & I. We
have a 3yo DD and twin 7yo DS and our DD had to use the public restroom at
McD's. DH took her into the men's room, which I found really gross, not only
because the men's rooms are, generally, filthy, but I don't want her exposed
(no pun intended) to strangers using the facilities. I felt he should be
taking her into the women's rooms, whenever a single use or family restroom
is not available. She is not old enough to go unattended and, after all, I
take the boys, now 7, into the women's with me. A lengthy discussion has
ensued, so I'm seeking the opinions of follow females, as many as possible,
on the following issues:
1) How do you feel about a father accompanying his very young daughter into
the women's restroom to use the facilities? Would you feel threatened or
offended, or would you understand the situation?
2) If you, or your family has experienced this problem with dads/daughters,
how did you address it?
3) Not important, but I am starting to get "looks" at having my little boys
in the facilities with me. Do any of you take offense at boy children, say
under 10, in the woman's restroom with their mothers?
No flames please, I'm just trying to get a cross section of opinions from
various ages, w/ and w/o children, etc.
TIA
Lorraine in Los Alamos



--

I'm a little teapot, short and stout
here is my handle, here is my...other...handle?
Bloody Hell!!
I'm a sugar bowl!

they're wheelchair/disabled *accessable* stalls not wheelchair/disabled *exclusive*,
and I see absolutely no problems whatsoever with an "able bodied" person using them,
especially when they're larger or have children with them. Another thing to think
about...how can you know if that person has a hidden disability?
--
Jalynne
Queen Gypsy (snail mail available upon request)
see what i've been up to at www.100megsfree4.com/jalynne

"Marie Lewis" wrote in message
...
In article , Sharon
Harper writes
I usually
manage to avoid the boys in ladies/girls in gents by using a disabled
toilet. Yes I know they are supposed to be for disabled but sometimes it
gets around this problem.


You really should not do this, just to save embarrassment.

Since I was in a wheelchair, I really get miffed at able-bodied people
using disabled people's toilets.
--
Marie Lewis

Sometimes the 'regular stall' is NOT big enuf for 2 ppl--sometimes they
are so small that it is hard for just ONE person to get in and out let
alone work with a child. Not all of the 'builders' had Moms with kidlet'
in mind when they made these. I can just picture the person doing the
drawing --4 feet/90 lbs soaking wet--how much room do they need compared
to Mom with a preschooler in tow--big difference.
And then you have the ones that the door opens IN and it almost hits the
stool --you have to step to the left of the stool just to get the door
closed..what were they thinking! And some places do NOT even have doors.....
Just another opinion from someone that has been in loos from Canada to
Mexico and hundreds of places in between......
Butterfly (and not all of us with handicaps LOOK like we have a
handicap. Those sidebars in the handicap loo are a godsend to us)

Marie Lewis wrote:
In article . net,
Jalynne writes

She will take him in, and try to use the wheelchair accessable stall
(heck, i use that stall with my own child)



Please! do not do this. It is only one step from using disabled
people's parking spots.