Gym changing rooms

[jd_1984]

Is it just me that feels extremely awkward when a father takes his (8yrs old approx) daughter swimming and they use the male changing room.
You can see all the blokes feeling very self conscious and careful not to accidentally expose anything, whilst at the same time not wanting to inadvertently look in the direction of the young girl, oh its just really awkard!
But the gym rules allow this up to age 9.
But, our gym doesnt provide a family change room or even a little privacy cubicle.

What do you lot think. Do you have daughters that age, would you allow them to be naked at age 9 in a male changing room and able to see grown men getting changed?

[askyourgran]

There should be a family changing room or at least a private one for such instances. I don't think that young girls should be allowed in mens changing rooms at all. It makes it extremely awkward for both men and children. Can't the girl be trusted to use the ladies changing room on her own or possibly with the help of an attendant if required.

[jd_1984]

The rules allow it, but surely the father should make an attempt to find a quiet area in the room and hold a towel up etc... But he doesnt, I have seen the same father three times now. The staff are useless, I wanted to say to the father "Look mate we are feeling a bit awkward here, do you mind covering her up or finding a quiet corner".

[B00]

Why do you feel awkward about her being covered up? I'd be more concerned, if i were you, about your own state of undress.

[cazzz1975]

dont assume the staff are useless, make a complaint and yes mention it to him. its not right!

[jd_1984]

Boo - exactly it is the other men who are shuffling about covering up and hiding behind locker doors as not to expose ourselves. Imagine if I just let it all hang out, as is my privilege to do in a male changing room if I wanted to. The father would be outraged, surely!

[B00]

totally agree with you jd, talk with your feet, march up to the receptionist and tell them (but make sure you get dressed first eh? )

[jd_1984]

Yeah will mention something, you have convinced me. It cant just be me, you can tell the other blokes are embarrassed.

[starone]

With all the terrible things happening with paedophiles I would think this was the last thing that would be allowed. I wouldn't even let a child of 3 go in. Much better in the ladies section if they have cubicles.

[society]

I bet the little gets embarrassed every time.

[jd_1984]

Going to the gym now, will make an informal complaint/suggestion to them but ask that my comments are kept on file. Then, try and get others (who I know are embarrassed by this too) to do the same, the gym should pay attention. Christ it would take them a morning to knock up a cubicle.
Otherwise, I am tempted to take the guy head on and tell him his daughter is old enough to use the female changing room. Or at the least, hold a bloody towel up and dont allow her to walk around unsupervised!!!

[society]

'girl' ^^^

[AlBags]

Just take her in the female changing room then : )

Sure ... people are self-conscious .. However .. there has to be a compromise or age cross-over somewhere, if they don't have a family changing room. They are probably more concerned about 'supervision'.

[jd_1984]

AlBags - I am writing as a male member of the gym, not the father of the girl.

[AlBags]

Ah OK : )
The inference was that you were the father.
You hadn't better then!

[bushbaby_de]

Perhaps they do it for the safety of the child though? The public swimming pool in my home town was notorious for groups of teenagers bullying or stealing from younger kids using the changing rooms on their own :(