subject: Dealing With Boys: Home Security Tips for Parents of Rambunctious Sons [print this page] While it's never nice to stereotype, it's true that parents of boys often end up a bit more flummoxed than those raising girls. Whether it's rowdier playtime as youngsters, riskier decisions as teenagers, or a tendency to sometimes be more forgetful, it can be a bit tough to rein in headstrong sons. And when it comes to the safety of youngsters, parents often have to consider measures to ensure that nothing bad happens during playtime or after-school hours alone. It's no secret amongst parents that leaving a son alone with some crayons or an electronic device can sometimes result in a bit of frustration or even tears. In fact, there's a reason for the saying "boys will be boys."
However, it's easy for parents who know that their children tend towards the more active side to anticipate potential troubles in the interest of better home security. For instance, making it clear that there will be no playtime with certain devices is a great step in the right direction of avoiding trouble. This might mean keeping younger children away from potentially dangerous parts of the house, like a garage workbench or the kitchen. And it might mean no unsupervised playtime outdoors, especially if there is a hazardous device like a pool or a treehouse that could cause potential injury.
Of course, part of home security and sons is also making sure that they stay safe while alone. For those parents who can't be at home when school lets out of the day, a clear set of rules involving appropriate behavior is often best, and limiting playtime to inside the house while parents are not around is often a better choice than allowing children to run around in the yard. Again, stressing the importance of no unsupervised time with electronics like computers is also a great idea. This way, there's no possible way that something can go wrong while unsupervised. Leaving strict instructions with babysitters is another way to avoid any home security disasters that might befall those unexperienced with your sons' tendencies towards adventure.
For older boys, it's important to reinforce the importance of a curfew, and always check in to make sure that there is no risk-taking happening on the road. For teenagers who drive, being very serious about a loss of privileges if any speeding tickets are obtained is one great way to ensure that everyone stays out of trouble. And for those who are a bit concerned about leaving teenage sons alone, there are plenty of ways to incorporate one's home alarm system to help out with avoiding any potential trouble. Video monitoring is a simple way to figure out if there was any partying going on while parents were away.
Another great innovation takes a regular part of around-the-house help and applies it to indoors. Sensors from home security systems are no longer simply to catch robbers roaming around the premises. They can be placed on more sensitive objects around the house, like the door to a liquor cabinet, to make it easier to see if any funny business is going on. While children and teenagers are often a step ahead of parents, the advances in technology that parents can take advantage of make it a whole lot easier to stay one step ahead of the kids, too.
Dealing With Boys: Home Security Tips for Parents of Rambunctious Sons
