A lot can be said about the year 2020 because the whole world went through a pandemic. The fear, loss, pain, and panic that people experienced daily were enough reasons to know that it’s been a tough year. But it was not all bad. Because of government-imposed lockdowns, people got the chance to spend more time with their families. Schools, colleges, and offices made virtual functioning the norm, making it possible for parents and children to spend quality time with each other. It helped families reconnect and strengthen their bond, which might not have been possible with the fast-paced life we were all accustomed to. It encouraged people to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life and showed us the value of things we take for granted every day — family, food, shelter, water, and home.
After getting used to spending so much time with your family, it might not be easy to go back to the way life was during the pre-corona time. However, some offices have resumed functioning while schools are yet to open. With proper protocols in place, social distancing, and wearing face masks, parents are off to work while their children stay at home. The transition might be tough for both parents and kids, but with these few pointers, you can ensure the safety of your kids at home:
1. Assess Your Home For Potential Threats
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Before you go back to work, survey your home and check for potential threats. Maybe a weak backdoor, broken window, or an easily accessible balcony. Ensure these weak links are fixed before you head back to work, so your children remain safe at home. Children are most vulnerable to robberies and thefts, so secure any possible windows of danger.
2. Ensure Safety Of your Home From Outside
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Enable bright lighting outside your homes. If the street lights in your lane are not functional, make sure you get them fixed by the concerned person in charge. A well-lit neighborhood reduces the risk of a burglary or break-in, which makes your children feel safer. Maintain a good relationship with your neighbors so they can step in to take care of your kids during an emergency when you’re away.
3. Make Use Of Technology
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Children today are tech-savvy. They understand how technology functions even more than parents do. Use this to your advantage and enable a digital locking system at home. Thieves find it harder to break into a home that is secured with smart locks. You can also install CCTV cameras at your gate to track the people who are in your vicinity.
4. Teach Your Kids To Step Up
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You might take all the necessary precautions to keep your kids safe. But if there is an emergency and your children are alone, they have to be prepared to follow basic protocol and call for help. Therefore, it’s crucial they know the emergency numbers to alert the police, fire brigade, or even the national emergency helpline number. Your kids also have to keep the numbers of close family members, friends, neighbors, and relatives handy in case of an emergency.
5. Keep An Eye Out For Peculiar Behavior
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Burglars and thieves usually scout the homes they are targeting. They notice your patterns and routine so that they can make a move at a time when you’re not around. They observe the time you step out for work, what time you’re back, and the time your children are alone at home. It’s scary, but it’s what they do to know when to strike. Therefore, be mindful of peculiar changes in your surroundings and watchful of anyone unfamiliar in your territory to avoid unfortunate circumstances.
Change is inevitable, but it’s a tough thing to accept. With several offices open and schools still shut, parents cannot help but leave their kids alone while they go out to work. While it might be scary to do so, taking a few measures towards your children’s safety may go a long way. If this article was helpful to you, share it with fellow working parents to help them too.
