Dad Shares Why He Takes His Daughter To The Women’s Bathroom For Her Safety
There is always something about being a parent that seems a little more complicated than it should be, and that's taking your kids to the bathroom. Not all bathrooms are equipped for parents, and that makes it hard.
To add to that, some parents don't feel comfortable taking their kids to the men's bathroom.
Muhammed Nitoto Runs The Instagram "Chronicles Of Daddy"
On it, he shares all the ups and downs of being a parent and the joy that it brings him.
He's always candid about the things that he learned the hard way and the unexpected ways his life changed when he became a parent.
One Of Those Ways Was How He Looked At Using The Bathroom
In an Instagram post that has made its way around Facebook and the parenting blogs, Muhammed Nitoto talks about why he takes his daughter into the women's bathroom. He feels it's safer and cleaner, both of which are likely true.
He explains that he always makes sure he's being respectful of the women who might already be in the bathroom or who are coming into the bathroom by telling them he's there.
The Instagram Comments Are Overwhelmingly Supportive
There were moms in the comments saying that they would have no problem seeing a dad taking his daughter in the ladies' bathroom. They know better than anyone how frustrating it can be.
Almost all the people thought it was a good idea and were thankful that he made sure he announced that he was there.
It brought up the conversation around gender-neutral bathrooms and how this is another reason why they're a good idea and should be implemented.
Many people in the comments brought up the issue that men's bathrooms should be better equipped with changing tables in more private areas.
There Needs To Be More Talk About Changing Tables In Men's Washrooms
While there seems to be one in every women's washroom (and rightly so), there's a lack of these changing tables for their male counterparts.
Most dads will tell you that there have been strides made to ensure that men's washrooms also have changing tables, but there still isn't enough conversation about it. Donte Palmer took to his Instagram to show the reality of what happens when establishments lack change tables in both bathrooms.
The Lack Of Tables Has A Ripple Affect
The reality is, more dads are taking on baby duty.
When women's bathrooms are the only places with change tables, it makes the process of changing diapers very difficult and, quite frankly, disgusting for fathers.
This doesn't just affect single dads or dads who are taking their kid out for a day on the town. It also forces moms into having to do all of the changing.
So, Donte Palmer decided to take a stand.
"It's As If We Don't Exist"
Donte Palmer posted a picture of how he changes diapers and it had some parents shaking their heads in unified frustration.
He wrote, "this is a serious post!!! What's the deal with not having changing tables in men's bathrooms as if we don't exist!!!"
He goes on to say that it's horrible that his son has gotten comfortable in this situation because he has to do it so much.
Palmer is having to balance his kid while also doing some ninja squats.
He's Been Having To Do This For Years
Even though Palmer looks pretty comfortable in this situation (once again, because it's not new territory for him to be in), he makes a point that so many fathers want to make.
The father of three has been doing this for years, and while he says that he's starting to see more tables pop up in men's rooms, there isn't nearly enough.
There have been times that Palmer and his oldest son, who's 12, had to take the youngest to the washroom and tag-team the changing process.
As you can imagine, that's a lot to ask of a 12-year-old.
Many Fathers Are Willing To Step Up To The Plate
Palmer says that fathers have never really had to worry about doing the "dirty work" of taking care of their kids, but those times are changing.
He went on to say, "At times, society complains about the presence of fathers not being involved but in all actuality, there are a ton of fathers willing to step up to the plate."
He makes a compelling point about the changing times and gender roles that we expect.
There are a lot of fathers in the world who wish they could do more but don't have the means to do it.
Bringing It Into The Public Conversation
Why should it be on the mom to always be responsible for changing the baby?
The problem is systemic, and if restaurants and shopping malls are willing to make sure that men have the option of doing the changing comfortably, it would be a big step forward.
Men are just as capable of taking care of their children's needs, but making them squat and balance against a wall to do it seems quite ridiculous.
We thank Donte Palmer for bringing this topic into the public conversation.
More And More Dads Are Sharing Their Stories
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have made it easier for parents to spread the word and bring this to our attention.
Stories like these keep going viral, and for a good reason. Another dad who shared his frustration online was Chris Mau.
Chris Mau Wrote On Social Media About His Experience
Chris posted on Facebook about an experience he had at a "restaurant with a kid's play place." His daughter needed changing, and he thought that this place would be well equipped for him to change his daughter.
When he walked in to the bathroom, he could not have been more disappointed.
He wrote an article for the parenting website "Love What Matters." He told the story about what happened to him and how he was sure it was happening to other dads.
He said what we are all thinking, how is this something that is still going on?
We Need To Do Better
We know that this is a widespread issue. We need more changing tables for men's bathrooms.
We also need to be more accommodating to dads who are just trying to do the right thing, even if that means using the woman's bathroom as long as they are respectful, of course.
What Do You Think About These Stories?
Have you or anyone you know experienced anything like this?
Many of us have been in gross public bathrooms, but how many of us have struggled with changing our kids in these bathrooms? How do you think we can change things?
