Tethered

Going out in public with two kids is a challenge.

So, as a parent, in the interest of keeping everyone safe and accomplishing your goal, you have to set limits.

If you need to get across a parking lot, sometimes you need both kids strapped into a stroller. In fact, everything is easier if everyone is confined to a seat in a device that you control.

Kids running free is stressful.

Kids making decisions about what they can touch, what they can take off the shelf, who they'll poke, and whether they'll suddenly bolt... is stressful.

 

But kids need to go out and explore the world. And as they get older, you can sometimes give them more freedom.

 

This is my latest parenting technique. I negotiate with the kids that they can get out of the stroller, or the cart, or we can go to the toys section of the store, if they hold hands.

This is a genius way to keep Amelia in check. Cole wouldn't run away, but Amelia certainly would. Except that she adores Cole and anything he's doing, she wants to be a part of. So she will hold his hand as he pulls her through the store.

Keeping track of two kids is easier when they're tethered.

 

Also, it melts my heart to see them holding hands.

Every single time they do this, I take a mental picture.