During a recent visit to Walt Disney World, brothers Andrew Loffa and Michael Colletti faced a parenting dilemma when their two-year-old daughters announced they needed to use the bathroom.
The brothers, known as DJ Drewski and Officer Michael Colletti, found themselves divided over which restroom to use, sparking a broader conversation on TikTok and among parenting experts.
Bathroom Dilemma for Dads
Andrew Loffa, a radio host known as DJ Drewski, instinctively headed toward the men's restroom with his daughter, Solar. On the other hand, his brother Michael, a police officer, aimed for the women's restroom with his daughter, Emma. The differing choices led to a spirited debate.
"I was like, 'Mike, are you kidding?'" DJ Drewski, 36, recalls. "I thought he was joking around."
With little time to discuss, each dad proceeded with their preferred restroom.
Later, DJ Drewski turned to TikTok to settle the debate, explaining that he feels uncomfortable entering a women's bathroom, while Colletti believes the women's restroom is a cleaner and safer option for his daughter.
Colleti was explaining that a men's restroom is not a place for a little girl. He added that before he goes inside a woman's restroom with her little girl, he would announce his presence before entering.
DJ Drewski prefers not to invade the safe space of a women's bathroom, even if it means finding alternative solutions. He emphasizes that he does not want to invade the private and safe space for women, so he would rather bring her little daughter with him to the men's.
DJ Drewski also shared that he saw a comment on TikTok that stuck with him the most, saying that the gender of the parent determines the restroom.
@djdrewski As a “Girl Dad” which restroom are you supoose to use with your toddler DAUGHTER in public places??? #question #girldad #toddlersoftiktok #disney ♬ original sound - DJ Drewski
Debate Over Bathroom Choices for Daughters
Parenting and youth development expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa weighed in on the discussion, agreeing with DJ Drewski's approach.
"If the men's room is a little bit dirtier, so what? We don't assume that little boys are in danger from coming in contact with men's room germs," Dr. Gilboa said. "And if you're going to be standing outside the stall or in there with her, she's fine."
Dr. Gilboa also noted that there are circumstances where a dad might need to use a women's restroom, such as when men's bathrooms lack changing tables. However, she advises sticking to the men's room unless absolutely necessary and there is a good reason to use the women's room.
The TikTok video, which has garnered nearly 7,000 responses, sparked a variety of reactions from viewers. Many shared their own childhood experiences and preferences.
A commenter on the video shared her experience, saying her dad used to bring her to the guys' room and have her close her eyes until they reached the stall.
Another commentator added her sentiments, saying a woman's room is not necessarily much cleaner than a man's. She shared her experience as a bathroom cleaner during her teenage years and said that sometimes the men's rooms are much cleaner.
The debate over which restroom to use for young daughters highlights a common parenting challenge. While DJ Drewski and Officer Colletti have different approaches, their goal is the same: ensuring their daughters' safety and comfort.
As the conversation continues, it emphasizes the importance of respect and understanding in navigating public spaces with young children.
