I use pattern weights and china markers on fabric. I weigh and trace. Cut the china marks off.
I use the dressmaker cast iron ones. I have 4 regular sizes, 2 smaller and 2 larger. I use a variety of shears to achieve my cuts in the least amount of work possible.
With kids, I have always had a no go zone around them. With my son, it was where the leaf of the treadle opened, and with the industrials it doesn't work, lol. My daughter ignores it, so I have duck tape on the floor (dedicated space) in an X where she can stand at each machine and station. It's hit and miss, but I don't run them off, just make sure that they know the machine can hurt them, and I let it go full bore and let the kids go full throttle, once. Usually was enough to keep them off it. My iron and board has been so much of a "get away from the iron..." she's pretty good about it now.
I trace with art graphite paper. I have sheets now, but sometimes I'll have a roll. Standard newsprint to trace to.
I do pin some stuff. Depends on how much time I want to spend, if I am goofing off, tired or if it's something that benefits from pinning if I use them. Practice can make it where you can go several projects without using one, though.