Easy Tech Ideas to Monitor Your Child at Home While You’re Away
In an ideal world, your kids would never have to stay home alone, but life happens. Perhaps you have to work late or your kids get out early from school. And while you may think that your pre-teens are grown up enough to handle an afternoon alone, there are always risks that demand constant vigilance. Here’s how to monitor your home and breathe a little easier when your kids are there alone.
Smart Tech Surveillance
Put your smartphone and other technology to good use by installing software and upgrading the hardware to transform them into a surveillance system. You don’t need to spend a lot to get a lot for your money either. Use these items to enhance remote monitoring.
Apps
Plenty of surveillance apps exist for all operating systems, ranging from simple monitoring to in-depth night monitoring with motion sensor detection. The best part about apps is that they can be used across multiple devices and you can pay for the level of protection that gives you the greatest peace of mind.
Old Phones
If you have an old smartphone collecting dust in your junk drawer, give it new life by turning it into a monitor. Regardless of brand or carrier, old phones can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing them to be used as makeshift surveillance systems. Tutorials exist online to walk you through the process, but don’t be afraid to seek out professional help if you’re stuck.
Baby Monitors
Think your kids have outgrown the classic baby monitor? Think again. Baby monitors have evolved over the last couple of decades, now producing high-quality images, even at night, and crystal-clear audio without all the crackling. Most baby monitors are simple to use and can be installed all over your home, making them an affordable alternative to more advanced surveillance setups.
Video Systems
Installing a complete video surveillance system in your home might sound extreme, but you can choose the level of monitoring that fits your needs and budget. A surveillance system gives you unparalleled access to your space while you’re away. Keep in mind that monitoring isn’t synonymous with security – you can install a surveillance system, a security system or both.
Low-tech Safety Advice
While you’re upgrading your home’s surveillance tech, take the time to teach your kids the basics. Make sure that they know how and when to call 911, which neighbor’s door to knock on in an emergency and how to get into the house when – not if – they misplace their keys. And don’t forget to let your neighbors know when to expect them home. Your community also plays an important role in keeping an eye out for you while you’re gone.
Maricel Tabalba is a freelance writer who is interested in writing about smart gadgets, emerging tech trends and environmentally friendly advice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Posted by on 13 Nov 2017