Bringing up a kid in the 21st century is a whole other ball game compared to the 80s and 90s, in which kids could be left with a nanny at home or even by themselves. Modern camera technology means you don’t have to worry about your children being home alone; you can supervise them from the office, instruct them, and monitor for home safety. But, excessive monitoring and control can also become too controlling and encroach on your kids’ privacy. Here’s how you can check in on your kids after school with an indoor camera without being a ‘helicopter parent’.
How To Keep Your Children Safe During Back-To-School
1. Keep An Eye On Locked Medical Cabinets and The Kitchen.
Kids, no matter the age, can get up to all kinds of mischief when there’s no one to supervise them. They can get into medical cabinets, play with firearms, or leave the gas cylinder on. To avoid such situations, you can set up cameras with a two-way communication suite that monitors the medical cabinets and kitchen to ensure your kids’ safety.
2. Install A Camera With Two-Way Audio-Visual Connection.
Part of checking in with your kids after school is being able to communicate with them. You can ask them about their day, how they are feeling, and give them instructions on what to eat without leaving your office. The convenience of a camera and monitor setup that allows you to check in on them and talk to them at the same time can make you feel more connected and involved in their daily lives.
3. Place The Camera In A Visible Spot.
One easy method of preventing your children from getting into trouble or walking out of the house is to position the camera where they can see it. It creates the illusion of always having someone monitoring them, even when you’re not. But that can be extremely overbearing and can make your child paranoid, especially if that child is a teenager. So, ideally, it should remain in spaces that are relatively accessible, such as corridors and living rooms.
4. Check In Regularly.
You also have to check in with them regularly, but not too much, as it can make you seem overbearing; after all, you aren’t running a surveillance state. Finding the right balance, such as an interval of 2-3 hours for teenagers, shows that you respect their space while ensuring their safety. For toddlers and children under 12, consistent check-ins are necessary. Still, it might be best to set up an automated monitoring system alongside a caretaker to respect their need for independence.
5. Link Your Indoor Cameras With Home Automation.
As we’ve said before, it is unrealistic for you to watch them 24/7. Sure, you can keep the feed from the cam in your near eye view, but that will split your concentration. This is why you need to install and link your indoor cameras with a home automation system. With artificial intelligence monitoring systems, the automated system can detect problems and immediately alert you to them. Home automation systems will alert you when your child leaves the house without permission and will alert you to the presence of an intruder. It can also know when the gas is on or a fire has broken out, or when your child is suffering from an allergy, and take steps to help them, such as calling emergency services and alerting the parent.
6. Respect Their Privacy.
While we understand the need to ensure your children are safe and accounted for, it’s equally important to respect their privacy. Especially with teenagers, it’s crucial not to give them the impression that you control every aspect of their lives. This approach, rooted in empathy and consideration, can help maintain a healthy relationship with your children.
Protect Your Home This Back-to-School Season And Contact Basco Security Today!
If you are searching for the perfect smart home security system this back-to-school season to keep your children safe, look no further! Basco Security, Inc. is a name you can trust to care for you and your family, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve while you’re out of the house. Our family-owned and operated company has served Massachusetts homes and businesses along the East Coast since 1960. We offer convenient services tailored to your needs, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Give us a call today at 781-294-4166 or fill out our online contact form; we look forward to hearing from you soon!