DEAR ABBY: I am embarrassing my 7-year-old son. I make him come into the women's restroom with me if no family bathroom is available. He can use the bathroom by himself, of course, but I worry about who might be lurking in the men's room while he is out of my sight. Other mothers say they agree that a "bad man" could be loitering in public restrooms these days.
Is it more traumatic for him to come into the ladies' room or have me stand outside the men's room yelling, "Is everything all right in there?" -- LISA IN PHOENIX
DEAR LISA: If your son is old enough to be embarrassed by having to come into the women's restroom, then he should not be forced into it. It is not necessary to stand outside the men's room yelling, "Is everything all right in there?" Simply announce loudly when your son enters that you will be "waiting right here," so anyone inside will know he is not alone. Then, if your son isn't out in a reasonable period of time, ask if everything is all right. And if he doesn't respond, check on him.