Fostering a safe home environment is a priority for every parent. Incorporating video surveillance cameras, smart locks, and motion alarms around the house are all good tools to improve the security of your home. However, an effective home security strategy requires including your kids in the security plan.
The trick is to do it in a way that does not scare them but empowers them to recognize threats and act appropriately. This guide offers a constructive path toward preparing your children to minimize risk exposure. Proactive behavior boosts confidence and prepares your kids for emergencies. Let’s overview some methods to tackle this necessary task.
Explain the Ground Rules
The first step is to outline rules which your child can follow. The cardinal rule is not to open the door to strangers. From a young age, instruct your children never to talk to people they do not know. Tell them not to open the door to anyone other than family members or leave the home by themselves. Sit your kid down and explain they can get hurt if they play with strangers and that you will be disappointed if this rule is not respected.
Teach them how to lock the door. Practice the process with them and ask them to do it when returning or leaving the house to help them develop a routine. Show them how to dial your phone number or 911, which can be available on speed dial. Positive reinforcement is necessary to motivate your child to stay vigilant.
Seek Help from First Responders
At the same time, you need to ingrain in them a sense of trust in police officers or firefighters. Visit community events where first responders interact with children and explain how to seek their help in an emergency. People are not the only threat. You have to instruct your children what to do in case of a fire or flood, how to safely leave the house in such an emergency, and who to inform about the situation.
Trusted Family or Neighbor
A tight community means a safe neighborhood and happy children. Teach your children to contact a next-door family or trusted neighbor in an emergency. They should know there is always someone near they can turn to for help whenever they need it.
Teach Them Not to Share Sensitive Information
Young children are usually unaware of what they are allowed to say in front of other people. Many kids like to talk, and some like to brag. This attitude can result in security leaks if they share details about your home security system outside the family. Point out which topics are not to be discussed with friends.
Older Children and Online Security
If your kid is older and active online, take additional precautions and monitor their internet activities. They should never share their address or personal details in an account bio, and they must never discuss what type of valuables they possess in the home.
Refraining from posting information about an upcoming family vacation or holiday plan is crucial. They might think it’s harmless and want to mirror other children’s actions. However, sharing private information can be misused by third parties. One way to avoid exposing your absence from your home and satisfying teenagers’ desire to share their adventures online is to let them post photos after the vacation. But never allow them to advertise when your family leaves the house for a longer period.
Train Them to Use The Security System
Today’s kids are tech-savvy and can quickly pick up on how to use a security system. Most kids use tablets or smartphones, so navigating a cloud-based security system should not be too challenging. Security systems are intuitive to use by nature, allowing easy access and activation of alarms or other sensors if you fear a home invasion.
Explain the system’s function and how to activate the features. Allow them to arm and disarm the system to build confidence and test their level of competency. Infusing them with a sense of responsibility will make them more ready to act confidently.
Create an Emergency Plan
The best way to overcome any emergency is to have a plan. Going over potential scenarios and developing a proper response to each scenario is the first step in formulating an effective strategy that allows your children to go through any emergency unscathed. Go over the protocols with your children playfully to inspire interest. Offer them rewards to boost their commitment.
Bottom Line
Don’t forget that children are prone to fear, so ensure they understand they must act as taught to stay safe in a bad situation. Teach them about security in the home and online and practice security procedures for various emergencies so they’ll always know what to do. A family or neighbor they can count on will additionally boost their sense of safety.
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