Excuse Me, Where is Your Restroom for My Kids?

Dear Retailers:

When a frantic mom runs in with a child in hand, we are absolutely not being rude.  We are sorry that you “normally don’t let people use the restroom without a purchase.”  In fact, if you will just excuse us to use your restroom we would be happy to make a purchase afterward.  You see, really it’s up to you.  Either we make that mad dash to your totally off-limits lavatory OR you get to mop.  No mom wants to stop and run into a strange place and HOPE the facilities are clean and that they have enough time to line the toilet.  This is not exactly a trip to Nordstrom’s Rack. This is an EMERGENCY!

So, thank you for taking the time to deliver a monologue and frown at us while the “Tiny Human” does the potty dance.  I realize this is a business, but please just let my child do their business.  It’s particularly alarming when we pull into a place that SHOULD be kid-friendly and you stop to say “we don’t USUALLY allow non-patrons to use our restroom.”  Ok, thanks.  This isn’t a USUAL stop for me either, lady. I didn’t want to lose my spot in traffic for this impromptu potty break.  I truly don’t even feel comfortable asking you and putting my child’s needs out in public.  But go ahead and TRY to shame me for having a child with a child-sized bladder.  What you should probably know is that if I see the restroom, we are going ANYWAY! To be fair, I’m not asking for your permission. I’m technically letting you know that I will not allow my child to have an accident and we WILL be using the restroom.  And if I have to make a purchase so be it.  But what is not happening is, my child will not be humiliated at the hands of your insensitivity.

So next time you see a frantic mom with an anxious child asking for the restroom, please just be kind and lead the way.