Do your kids have keys to your home? It’s a big responsibility, one many parents don’t want to start too early. So, what do you do if your kids get home before you do sometime and they can’t get in? It’s not a very good idea to stash a key under the mat, on top of the door frame, or in a nearby planter, because those are the first places a housebreaker will look.
I’ve heard of people hiding keys in a dog house, knowing that intruders wouldn’t be able to get past the dog to get the key. I’ve also heard of fake rocks that look real enough but have hidden compartments inside. People tend to come up with very clever and unique ideas, but unfortunately, thieves can be pretty clever too.
One good option is to leave a key with a close neighbor who is home during the day. If you don’t want your children to be home alone, you might set up an arrangement in advance, where your children go directly to that neighbor’s home in case of emergency. Also, have a back up plan with another neighbor, friend, or family member in case that person isn’t at home. You’ll know where your kids are, you’ll know they’re safe, and you can call to get a message to them regarding when you will arrive.
What about times when kids arrive home before parents and need to get in, such as when the bus arrives shortly before Mom and Dad get home from work? Many kids wear keys on necklaces to keep from losing them. This might help avoid misplacement, but what if the necklace or chain breaks? There are now shoes available with pockets that seal, which might be a good alternative for your child.
To keep keys organized so you can easily find the proper one, try adding a little nail polish in different colors to different keys, as suggested in Nichole Humphrey’s great Frugal Living article, “Use Nail Polish Everywhere.”