I use my Reo Mini which is quite stealthy and vape wherever I want. If you exhale the vapor into your sleeve or downward you can vape without really bringing any attention to yourself. If I am in a place where there are lots of children or vaping may cause undue attention (a la McDonalds, Barnes and Noble cafe etc) I usually go outside or to the bathroom. Don't think that little ones understand nor should they have to ask mommy why this woman is "smoking" in the establishment.
JMHO though. I try to respect that people are not aware yet and not cause any discomfort but will vape pretty much any time that I wanna vape.
Yes. God forbid that poor mommy have to explain to her children that steam is not the same as smoke. I wonder what mommy would say when her little darling asked why that man's coffee cup was on fire? Should my hot steak be served cold lest some parent be forced to explain to her child that it's not on fire?
Sorry. I feel no obligation to protect grown adults from answering the questions of their children, or children from asking questions. I feel less obligation to protect parents from having to teach their children the difference between vapor, steam and smoke.
Good Lord! Would you restrict all your public activities only to things children can understand without having to ask their parents questions? Children SHOULD have to ask mommy stuff. They should be encouraged and even forced to ask questions. They should always be in situations where they need to ask questions. How intellectually stunting if it were otherwise?
If you are unaware of something, I'll be glad to enlighten you. But don't expect me modify my behavior for no other reason than to cater to your unawareness. If I did that, I'd only be perpetuating your ignorance and nothing would ever happen to make vaping more socially unremarkable.