The owners of the new Grove 16 Theatres in Wesley Chapel took members of the media on a tour recently to give us a peek at the cinema set to open later this month. While all the other reporters were understandably going ga-ga over the restaurant and bar, this Momma saw something even more exciting: family restrooms.

My fellow reporters may have wondered why I was so interested in seeing those restrooms and even mentioned them in a recent story. Well, I have a 2-year-old male reason why. Someday, I want to be able to take my son to a movie without his dad having to tag along.

It's okay to take a 3-year-old with you to the ladies' room, but one day those of us with sons will have to deal with a 5-year-old wanting to use the men's room. If dad's not around, the only way to do that is to let him go alone. Yet all kinds of creepy things cross my mind. What happens if there's a weirdo in there? I'd never be able to forgive myself if something happened. Yet I know there will be times when he can't be required to "hold it" until we get home. What do you do when you feel have to choose between gender identity and child safety?

A family restroom is the perfect solution. Because it's just one room, you can give it the once over before letting junior go in alone. They also also give dads peace of mind during father-daughther outings. Years ago before family restrooms existed, I was in a store and saw a little girl with her father. She was desperately doing the "pee-pee dance." He just looked around desperately.  Feeling sorry for both, I offered to accompany her to the ladies' room. I was a stranger, but I guess I looked trusthworthy. In a few minutes, his daughter emerged in a better mood.

So yes, bars and plush leather seats and Cinebistros are great on a date, but being a Momma gives this reporter a whole new perspective. Here's to family restrooms.

-- Lisa Buie, Times mom