Reply #5: In defense of the mothers of small children,

[wildeyed]

we are often so shell shocked and mentally overstimulated that we just don't notice everything the kids are doing.

Do I think staring is rude? Yes. Will I discipline my kids for doing it? Yes. Will I notice my 4 year old doing it while trying to get a recalcitrant 2 year old out of a wet bathing suit and into dry clothing. Unlikely.

We were out the other day, and my daughter was standing off to the side, in my peripheral vision. I was dealing with my son. I heard my daughter speaking to a stranger, so I went over to be certain that everything was ok. The woman had a very bad cut on her leg, and my daughter had been, you guessed it, staring. The woman was explaining about the cut to her. I apologized, but honestly, I would not have even been aware the kid was staring if the woman hadn't taken upon herself to chat with my daughter.

Use the changing stalls. I am not aware of any etiquette. If there is a time limit, it should be posted.