I think maybe the problem is that this woman saw two kids in a restroom unattended and probably thought they were horsing around. I'm sure they weren't, but I can see how a busybody might jump to conclusions.
I agree with this. As a mother, safety in public restrooms was always a major concern for me. (And remembering poor Jrazz's recent experience as an adult in a ladies' restroom, I think any maternal anxiety is entirely justified.) I was very relieved to have two sons, because they were able to go into the men's restroom together. I didn't let either of them go alone into a men's restroom until they were old enough to argue with me about it! And even then...... In places like motorway services, with lots of strangers, I always waited nearby, even when they were together and much older. (Heck - even when I myself use such places at night, I prefer to have my husband nearby. When I'm traveling alone, I usually wait until another women is also going in.)
However, I don't think I would let a boy go into the women's restroom unaccompanied. Not merely for safety, but out of courtesy to other patrons. I hope I'm not a busybody.
I expect women to do as I did and take little boys into the women's restroom. But I have to admit that I would be quite surprised if I saw a little lad in there alone. Firstly, because I think it's wise to accompany one's small children thither anyway. And secondly, because taking boys into the women's restroom is a safety thing; so I think I might wonder why a mother who was concerned enough to want her son to use the women's restroom wasn't also concerned enough to be there with him. Not that I would say anything, Especially to the poor child.
Aubrie, please, please don't take that as a criticism! You explained exactly why you did it. And, having also had to force myself to let my own children spread their wings a little on numerous occasions, I totally understand. But I think this might not be the best area in which to try it.
In case it cheers you up - I once sent my husband into the women's restroom! We were in a strange town in the days when everything closed on a Sunday and desperate to use the restroom. We finally found one, only to discover, to our horror, that the men's restroom was locked. In the end, I sent my husband into the ladies', while I stood guard outside. While he was in there, another man in the same situation arrived and I offered to stand guard for him too!
PS I thought Nature-Girl's advice about teaching her son to avoid eye contact, etc. was excellent. I wish I'd thought of that when my own offspring were children.
[This message edited by Cally60 at 5:32 PM, July 16th (Wednesday)]