A Single Mom’s Guide to Protecting Her Home and Kids
As a single mom, you’re faced with a lot of responsibilities. You’re not just the one keeping the lights on and the fridge stocked; you’re also the one to make sure the kids feel safe when they go to bed at night.
Sadly, at this stage of your life, you’re also open to a lot of challenges. From financial problems to constant stress (officially known as single-parent stress syndrome, or SPSS), and the fear that your home is not safe enough, there's just so much that can keep you up at night.
The good news is that you’re not completely powerless, and with a few practical tips, you can improve your home’s security and get that particular worry out of your mind. Read on as we discuss some of the steps you can take to make your home safer and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
1. Change Your Locks
It might sound basic, but one of the first things to do in this new phase of life, whether you’re moving to a new home or retaining your existing property, is to change the locks. You never know how many copies of the old keys are flying around — real estate agents, former tenants, contractors, or even your former spouse.
Call a trusted locksmith over as soon as possible and get new locks installed. Better yet, consider upgrading to smart locks, which allow you to create temporary access codes for babysitters, cleaners, and even family members.
And please, avoid the old common trick of hiding keys in the flowerpot and under the floor mat. These are some of the first places someone looking to break in will check.
2. Always Lock Doors and Windows
This may sound obvious, but you’ll be surprised to learn the number of break-ins that happen because someone, maybe even a child, left a door or window unlocked. In fact, the UK Police warns that burglars typically look for homes with a window or door unlocked to gain easy access. For any single mom, an unlocked door or window is practically an invitation for a break-in.
Make it a habit to lock up and double-check, even if you’re just running down to the store for groceries. As a single mom, you can’t be too careful, especially if you’re leaving the kids at home. And don’t forget to teach them this important rule: never open the door to strangers.
Does your home have a garage? Is the door in good shape? A weak garage door is another entry point intruders love to exploit.. So, if yours isn’t, get it fixed right away. In Middle Tennessee, for example, services like Proffitt’s garage doors repair can handle fixes or full replacements to make sure your garage isn’t a weak point in your home’s defense.
3. Invest in a Home Security System
If money is not a problem, you may want to consider investing in a reliable home security system.
These days, home security systems don’t mean those noisy alarms that used to wake up the whole neighborhood at 2 a.m. We’re talking about modern systems with doorcams, motion detectors, and smartphone apps that mean you can keep an eye on your house no matter where you are.
A large number of US households, approximately 72 percent, according to Market.us Scoop, have some form of home security system installed. As a single mom with kids to protect, having one in place isn’t a luxury; it’s actually for your peace of mind.
4. Practice Mindful Privacy
Maybe as a result of boredom, to relieve stress, or while looking for companionship, it can be tempting to want to share every little detail about your life online. The problem is, oversharing can put both you and your kids at risk.
According to a CNET article, TikTok updates, Instagram pics, Facebook posts, in fact, any social media activity, can let burglars know when your home will likely be the most vulnerable.
This means that you should be very careful about what you share online, especially things like your phone number, address, workplace, and real-time location. For example, if you’re taking your kids to the park on the weekend, wait until you’re back, or even a few weeks later, before sharing any of the outing pics.
5. Be Careful with Dating and Visitors
Life didn’t stop the day you became a single mom. You still deserve companionship and love. However, even if it looks like you’ve finally met Mr. Right, it’s important to be careful when bringing a new date home.
Michigan.gov suggests meeting in a neutral place like a restaurant, coffee shop, or park for the first few dates, and until you’re sure of their intentions. Even then, don’t be in a hurry to share your house key, security code, or other confidential information until you’ve built real trust.
If your relationship ends, whether on a bad note or not, immediately update your home lock and security settings.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home and kids secure isn’t about turning your home into a fortress. It’s also not about hiding in your shell and only coming out when you absolutely have to. It’s about making a few smart choices that, together, will add to your peace of mind.
Hopefully, every single mom will find the tips in this article useful for creating a space where kids feel safe, happy, and protected.
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