going out without losing your kids
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Being a parent of young kids means you have to adopt a security guard mentality whether you like it or not. I’ve observed that new parents tend to continue operating on swinging singles mode when out with their kids.
They leave their stroller with the baby inside, or toddlers on their own and walk away to shop or buy tickets or whatever. I’ve seen parents forget their kids (not on purpose, of course) until they start crying or calling out.
So what can you do about it?
(1) Keep your wandering toddlers on a leash. Back when I used leashes on my kids, my folks tried to discourage me saying it looks bad that I’m treating my kids like dogs. My answer, better to look like dogs than to lose them in the crowd.
(2) Hold the hand of your child. I think it’s a good habit though some parents may find it too restrictive.
(3) Always keep your kids in your line of sight. They should be walking beside you or in front of you, not behind you.
(4) If you’re out with a few kids, do a regular headcount to ensure everyone’s accounted for before moving on. Or appoint an older sibling as Head of Headcounts (they’ll love the lofty title!) and put them in charge.
(5) Brief older kids on an agreed location to meet up in case you get separated. Even kids as young as 4 or 5 can be taught to do this if you physically take them to the location and tell them that’s where they have to wait if they get lost.
These are merely precautions. Don’t forget to go out there and have fun 
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