Home Safe Home: Security Tips for Working Parents

With kids back in school, most parents have a pretty good idea of what kids are up to from early morning to mid-afternoon. But how can you help ensure “home sweet home” is home safe home while you’re still at work? Here are some at-home security items you might consider:

• A security system with remote monitoring capability – Wouldn’t it be great to check in on the house remotely, just to ensure nobody is there who doesn’t belong? You can check in with your smart phone to see when the kids get home and even who they’re with.
• Set rules with your kids on what to do when they’re home – Set down the rules of who is allowed to be over and what they can do. Your kids should keep the doors locked when they’re inside and not open them for strangers. (It’s okay – any truly important visitor will come back!) Kids should also know to call 911 for serious emergencies, such as fire or medical issues.
• Know your kids’ schedule – If your kids have after-school sports or other activities, know when they’ll be arriving home. This way, you won’t have unnecessary concern when they are understandably late, but you’ll also know to check on them if they should be home and aren’t.
• Know your babysitter – If your children are young enough to have a babysitter, make sure you know their background. Ideally, a trustworthy family member is preferable to a non-family member, and a close family friend preferable to a stranger.
• Maintain communication – Talk to your kids about their day and take an active interest in their hobbies and activities. Parents with close relationships with their children have greater trust and, often, fewer conflicts down the road. And kids with good relationships with their parents are less likely to keep questionable friends in their lives.

So there’s five ways to better ensure “home safe home.” At-home security isn’t about making a fortress, but using the tools at your disposal – either physical tools like your home security system or more abstract tools like good communication. All will contribute to a more secure household.

Related Articles:

Safety Job Training For Your Babysitter
Reducing The Devastation Of A House Fire
Maximize your Home Security with A PLAN
 

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