Mommy, I need to pee!
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Is it LEGAL to deny a child a restroom when in a store???
That depends on who is denying the child. If you as the parent deny the child, then it is legal as your are responsible for the child. My youngest daughter has this thing about always going to the toilet in every restaurant or supermarket. Most times she doesn't really need to go, but it's like a comfort thing for her. Reassurance, that she knows where the toilet is should she need to go urgently. It drives us crazy. Often, we haven't even ordered yet and she's asking where the toilet is. Go to a supermarket, and it's the same thing. Of course, living in China, the toilets are often the Asian squatter type and very gross and smelly. This has resulted in my youngest needing to know when we first arrive, if it's a squatter or a western toilet.
However, is it legal for a store to deny a child the use of their toilet? Hmmmm, I doubt that there is any legislation in this regard. I reckon that it is probably up to the store owner. If they are child-friendly, they'll allow it, but if they're not child-friendly, then they will keep a poker face even when your child is doing the 'I'm going to wet my pants any minute' dance. I don't think you'd be able to sue them if they refused your child. But, what you can do, is boycot them and publicize the fact that they are not child-friendly.
Personally, I think that all establishments that cater for consumers, be it a supermarket, corner grocery or a restaurant should have a toilet available for customers. I'm currently on diuretics and when I need to go, I need to go! And, I'm definitely not a child. Deny me a restroom when I need to go, and I just might pee on your floor. That'll teach 'em.
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Stop the world, I need to pee!: The Life and Crimes of Fenella Fisher
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Thanks for answering my request!
My 6 year old daughter had a weak bladder (and keegal muscles) and every time we would go shopping, even if I just made her go, she has to use the restroom. In a few stores we normally go to, they let her a couple of times, but refuse use of their restrooms NOW. Even though I explained the problem to them, they did not give in, and she ended up having an accident. Not only was she embarrassed, but the store clerk got to clean a nice little mess. I agree that stores must follow policy, but a little girl? Come on...
Agreed - it is a grey area.
The problem is that many stores have a policy that do not allow the public to use the facilities. The reason is the fear of being sued - sadly, the litigation culture has a lot to answer for.
I used to work for Blockbuster, and faced the same situation - if I had let the little girl and her father use the toilet, I would have been sacked on the spot. It is a very tough call for staff.
At the moment, I am living in China and I have to say that they have this disgusting cultural thing of letting their babies and toddlers wear spli-bottom pants. Basically, they don't wear nappies/diapers, and even in the extreme cold the kids' bottoms are exposed. Whenever the kid needs to go, the just squat and do it through their split pants, or their parents hold them up over a gutter or bin and let them go in that. through the split in their pants of course! Now, the point I want to make is this. On a few occasions I have been in Walmart or Carrefour and one of these little kidlets have obviously needed to go. But, their families have been quite happy to let them sit in the supermarket trolley and just pee through the trolley onto the floor and leave the mess for the shop cleaners to mop up. I find this quite disgusting as other people don't see the puddle and often walk through it, or push their trolley through it. Is it just me, or is this unhygenic? These supermarkets do have restrooms available, but the parents are choosing not to use them. Surely, this should be illegal?
That is pretty vile - accidents happen, but there is no excuse for laziness. Sadly, it is a sign of the times - Somebody else's problem.
I have heard some talk of legislation on this issue due to conditions like colitis.
Agreed - it is a grey area
Unfortunately, squatters still rule in China and most are beyond disgusting!
I just linked your book to my hub 'terrible twos' [it isn't negative BTW]. There is NO excuse for any store to not let the bathroom be available to a child. I'm certainly glad I don't live in China, I'd be a bull in the shop. Sorry I have a twisted sense of humour sometimes, I got it from my husband!
lol thanks Carmen. I'm in the process of putting your book in my Amazon Astore which is embedded in my website www.cindyvine.com
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49er says:
9 months ago
I agree that this would probably be a gray area in most cases, although most people are pretty friendly and don't mind helping out a child who needs to goto the bathroom.