Ahhh, summer break. Parents and kids alike rejoice in this laid-back reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the school year. No more waking up extra early for morning drop offs, or half-asleep lunch packing sessions. But with the extra freedom comes the need for re-organizing your family’s schedule while taking everyone’s safety and convenience into consideration. You may find yourself occupied at the office while the kids are home alone or figuring out how to keep track of their summer playdates, sleepovers, camps and sports practices. Here are some tips for managing your kids for safe and fun summer break.
Find your village
If you’re a working parent, you know it’s tough to make yourself available to shuttle the kids around to their many activities over the summer. Touch base with your fellow parents, neighbors, and family to see who’s up for helping. Coordinate carpools to soccer practice and summer camp and take turns hosting the playdates and sleepovers.
Bonus tip: Set up a shared digital calendar with your parenting team so you never forget whose turn it is to or who will be in charge of your kids for the day.
Give them access, without the keys
With smart locks integrated into a home security system like Alarm.com, you can provide your kids with their own special codes to unlock and disarm the house so they can come and go safely – without the risk of losing a set of keys in a park or friend’s house. Plus, this way, you can be immediately notified when they arrive home safely, and when they leave.
Plan lots of mini vacations
Do you have a big annual trip that you family takes every summer? We all know the excitement and anticipation of waiting for that long week-long vacation, but what about the rest of the break? Make the most of the kids’ free time by writing out a “bucket list” for the season. Make the most of your weekends by exploring all those local attractions, parks, restaurants and sights that you just never get around to.
Keep eyes on them
If you have older kids who like to have the house to themselves over the summer, investing in some smart indoor cameras can help you keep eyes on them to ensure that they are safe (and not throwing any unauthorized parties!) If you’re a stay-at-home parent or work from home, indoor and outdoor cameras are still a great idea so you can watch them play while you work or cook, and catch any slips or falls!
Mange your home, remotely
The kids will be coming and going a lot over the summer break, and as they’re rushing out the door to meet their friends, they may not remember all of the instructions you gave them for locking up the house. With the Alarm.com app, you can remotely access your alarm system, smart locks, smart lights, and thermostat via your mobile device, so you can skip the scolding and keep the house secure. This goes for day-to-day home management, but also for those vacations spent away from home!
Step up your stay-cation game
Make your home the summer movie night spot by leveling up your entertainment devices. With the help of surround sound , customizable smart lights and a universal smart remote, your kids will be excited to invite their friends over and the family will love the home-theater experience too!
Ready to upgrade your home?
Reach out to us at 678-566-2640 or sales@phoenixsystems.tv and a Phoenix Rep will be happy to discuss your needs and options!
