I've
recently joined a local gym that has something for everyone. Not only
do they offer a full range of exercise and cardio machines, but they
have every group class that you can imagine, swimming pools, a
splash pad for the youngsters and babysitting (during specific times
of the day), so the parents can exercise, while the kiddos are being
watched.
Well,
I'm a gramma who likes to take aqua aerobics and group classes. Being
a bit older, and out of shape, I tend to sweat quite a bit, (always
have anyway), and need to shower when I'm finished with my activity.
This brings me to a dilemma: What age is it appropriate to still
bring boys in the women's locker room?
I
wasn't given any specifics about this when I first signed up and ran
into a situation. I was taking off my wet bathing suit and noticed a
young boy nearby. He was with his mother and sister. I kind of
looked around, but most people were finished with their
bathing/changing. I toweled off, and tried to stay covered as best as
possible, but I noticed this little guy looking my way. I felt
awkward about the situation, so waited for him to leave before I
finished up. I failed to mention that there is a “family changing
room” that one can use, if parents don't feel comfortable about
letting their children go into the locker room on their own. I'm not
sure why this mother didn't use it. Maybe it was occupied and taking
too long for someone to come out? Still not sure.
I've
also run into this when I babysat a seven-year-old girl and took her
to swim lessons. Her mother wanted her showered off after each lesson
and there were group showers without curtains. There was a little
boy who would practically race to the women's locker room and strip
down the jump in the showers first. I would say her was about seven
or eight as well. I felt uncomfortable for the little girl that I
was watching. She was an only child, and probably not exposed to this
type of behavior. There were older girls showering at the same time
as well and I just didn't think it was appropriate.
What
do you think? Am I just being old-fashioned and a prude, or should
there be a cut-off period for this? I personally would never let my
husband take our three-year-old grand daughter in the men's locker
room, so I think it should go both ways. Please parents, for the
comfort of your child and others in the locker room, please use
family locker rooms, (even if you have to wait a little while).
