I most often use the hand clasping in the post office. I don't know about the US, but our post offices are turning into gift/toy/stationary shops. Taking three kids into a place like that to stand in a queue for 10-15 mins is a special kind of torture for everyone. We arent there to buy anything tangible, there is nothing to "do" and I can't engage the 5.5 yr old in fun mental games because I am busy holding the parcel and manhandling the toddler who is screaming. She just has to stand still and not touch...
I also don't let the the kids touch anything at the fruit shop. But in the supermarket, with toddler restrained and playing with the indestructibles, the 9.5th old being helpful, then yes the 5 yr old helps steer the trolley or fetches items she can identify.
But yep sometimes she just has to stand still and not touch in public places and saying "don't touch" is not that helpful.
