The world can be a scary place. As much as we’d all like to shield our kids from knowing about the dangers of the world for as long as possible, at a certain point it becomes crucial that you educate them on home security. Here are five tips you can use to teach your kids how to stay safe.
1. Monitor Social Media Usage
Even if your kids are young, they’ll be social media users eventually. It’s important to teach them to choose their words carefully on social media. After all, thieves can use information gathered from social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to plan break-ins and case houses.
2. Teach the Ins and Outs of the Security System
It’s important for your kids to learn about the home security system. If they’re little, teach them not to play with the buttons or touch the device, the same way you instruct them not to touch the thermostat. When they’re old enough, teach them how to turn the system off and on as well as how to properly rearm the home security system with the ADT pulse app.
3. Doors Should Be Locked
Once your kids are old enough to come and go on their own, let them know the importance of locking the doors behind them. Explain to them that without locks, there’s nothing stopping a potential thief from strolling into your home.
4. Be Firm, But Never Scary
Kids should know that dangers exist, but they shouldn’t be petrified or led to believe the world is full of nothing but ne’er-do-wells. Explain to them that it’s healthy not to have a fear of strangers or potential thieves but rather a healthy amount of caution. It’s better safe than sorry.
5. Do A Few Drills
Your kids have fire and tornado drills at school. There’s nothing wrong with having a few of those drills at home. Practice what they’d do in the event of a fire or if they heard strange noises that could be a break-in. The situation may vary depending on if you and your spouse are home or not. If you and your spouse aren’t home, it would be best for your children to hide and call you. However, if you’re home, tell your children to scream as loud as possible if they hear someone breaking into the home. Not only will this wake you and your spouse, but most burglars are scared off when they realize the inhabitants of a home are awake.
By following these tips, you can drive home the importance of home security, which is a lesson they’ll carry with them their entire lives.
