Whether it’s a standard single-latch lock or a deadbolt, every adult is familiar with the concept of locking doors. But for children, this common practice can seem unfamiliar and easy to ignore. If you’re a parent, here are three important reasons why you should instill healthy door-locking habits in your little one.

3 Lessons Your Child Needs About Using Locks

1. Home Security

The very reason home security practices exist is to not only protect your property but also safeguard your family. While you don’t have to tell your child about all the threats a home can face—such as burglary—it’s still important to involve them in your routine security practices.

The first and simplest way to get them involved is to teach them how to lock the door. Show them how to operate the equipment, make sure they know where to find the keys, and provide tools to make it easier for them—such as by keeping a step stool by the door so they can reach a high-up deadbolt.

Once your child masters this skill, teach them other important security practices—such as how to arm or disarm an alarm system or properly hide a spare key. As they grow more familiar with these practices, your family as a whole will present a more united front on home security.

2. Emergency Response

By teaching your child how to use locks at home, they’ll know how to operate the many others they’ll encounter elsewhere in the world. Backed with this knowledge, your kid can act fast and protect themselves if they ever feel they’re in danger.

With the proper safety emphasis, it can also help them develop good door-answering practices—such as knowing not to unlock a door for a stranger. 

3. Value of Privacy

Locks don’t only boost security—they also play a role in privacy. Teach your child to recognize that a locked door may mean that a room is off-limits, which could prevent them from wandering into a restricted area in another environment—such as someone else’s home or a restaurant. It can also help them respect a person’s privacy if they come across a locked bathroom door.

 

To keep your kids safe, your home should be equipped with locks that are both durable and easy to use. That’s why Ability Lock & Key in Winston-Salem, NC, is committed to providing a wide range of dependable solutions for both homes and businesses—including premium deadbolts and master key systems. Offering mobile service throughout the Piedmont Triad region, these locksmiths will come to your location to provide swift lock installation or repairs so you and your entire family can enjoy stress-free security. Visit the team online to learn more about their services or call (336) 406-9241 to request responsive assistance.