Sign of the Times?
Posted on 13. Apr, 2009 by Brian Reid in General
I was in Chicago over the weekend and saw this sign outside of the family restroom. Leaving aside the random apostrophe, I am wholly unsure what to make of this. Is this a *good* sign, because dads are being specifically included? Or is it *bad* because the sign implies that dads need explicit permission to use a family restroom?
I’m inclined to think the latter.
James Austin
13. Apr, 2009
That seems very odd to me. I am a very involved father and have never felt I needed an invitation to use a family restroom. I am in the Northwest and I don’t know how the atmosphere towards involved dads differs in other parts of the country, but still this seems odd.
Backpacking Dad
13. Apr, 2009
I read it as good. Not because dads are being specifically included, but because I think whoever considered that sign was worried that dads themselves might wonder if they were walking into a lactation room called a “family room”. It’s an assumption that dads shouldn’t feel awkward about approaching the room as though it were a women’s room. It’s a reassurance, not outreach, and certainly not a permission. I think you’re jumping at shadows here.
Dave
13. Apr, 2009
WTF? … bad… I use the family restroom with the family all the time.. that’s like having a men’s room and saying, “Black’s welcome”… no bueno!
Surfer Jay
13. Apr, 2009
I concur with Backpacking Dad.
I’m just shocked there is a family restroom at all. I’ve never seen one of those. Hell, not even in my house…
Mark
13. Apr, 2009
Perhaps the male only restrooms don’t have changing stations and so they want to be sure men know where to go for diaper changes? Or maybe they think men won’t go in any bathroom where they see a female symbol since in other circumstances that’s totally off-limits, whereas women feel less inhibited about jumping into a men’s room.
I was in a jam in O’Hare last year, and I was impressed with how they made special accommodations for us as a family with children. So my guess is that they are trying hard to be good about families.
Therefore, I take this as well-intentioned, even if it might be off-putting to those of us who do our fair share of the diaper duty.
Sandatola
13. Apr, 2009
Personally, I don’t mind it. In my only experience in a mall’s family washroom, I was a little wary about using the same washroom as breastfeeding moms. It’s something where I know rationally that it’s fine to be in there, but that doesn’t negate the little bit of awkwardness of the first time a dad uses a family washroom. I think it’s well-intentioned.
Brian
13. Apr, 2009
I’ll hold off on the “good or bad” aspect a moment and say this: I suspect if a dad went to the person responsible and said, “Hey! Why’d you put up that sign? Do you think we need special permission to use a family restroom?” that the person responsible would say to his/herself, “Geez, we can’t win.” And THAT would be bad.
I think the sign was well-intended and should be received as such.
Dan
15. Apr, 2009
I’m all for it - I mean, how often do you see a stray apostrophe that actually works when you really think about it. After all, how many dads would you expect to be in there at once? As for getting offended about the inference that dads can enter a family restroom only when specifically invited, well, get over yourselves, guys. It’s heartening to see that someone’s making an effort.
Allen
17. Apr, 2009
If you’re a true SAHD, you’re already a resourceful guy, you’ll change a loaded diaper anywhere, anytime. Hell, I’ve been known to duck into the skirt room to use the diaper dock. So, I guess the sign is for the saps who need the nudge.
Bryan
17. Apr, 2009
The intentions were probably good, but the execution could leave some scratching their heads.
Personally, the kids and I use the family restrooms every time. Bigger. Sometimes multiple potties to use. They are much easier than cramming my four small kids into a normal sized stall.
sprogspot
18. Apr, 2009
I think it is a good sign. In the UK most places don’t have family restrooms, but when i have used them the mothers give a confused look, when they see a father.
Anonymous
22. Apr, 2009
dad s welcome hum my household is all boys, and mom is in the navy. do we qualify to use that family restroom, what consist of a family a women and men. what if the parents are gay. Can the sigh read GAYS WELCOME. oooh CAN the sigh read PARDES INVITADOS TAMBIEN, or Just put BRIAL. The Point is in my world, where mom is at war,it should read MOTHERS WELCOME. WHY the picture says it all, yeah right there is no children in the picture, oh where are the children.