Back to School: How to Keep an Eye on Your Kids

It's the end of summer, and in most cities and towns across the country, that means one thing: back to school time!

While kids are likely feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness over new classes, friends, and who they're going to sit with at lunch, parents are feeling the same emotions, but for different reasons—like how they're going to keep an eye on the kids after school while they're at work.

Whether you’re a working parent or can’t always be home when your kids get home from school, you want to know your kids safely got home from school. That’s where a smart home system can provide peace of mind.

Take a look at how a smart home is a smart decision for you as a parent to check up on your kids no matter where you are:

See and know when your kids get home

A video doorbell camera is a must for working parents or parents on the go.

 

When your kids come home from school and walk toward the front door, the doorbell camera detects their approach and sends you a notification on your smartphone—even if they don’t ring the doorbell.

Using the Vivint app, you can view the doorbell camera's live feed to see and speak to your kids, welcoming them home. And because the camera features two-way talk, your kids can respond back to you and tell you how their day went.

 

Not only can you see for yourself when your kids are coming and going, but you'll stay in the know when it comes to your kids' friends, too. So when your kids swear up and down they won't have friends over while you're gone, it's easy to tell. You can watch the doorbell camera feed in real-time or review recorded clips later.

Keyless entry for an easier and safer welcome home

A smart lock works along with the doorbell camera to let you know your kids got home from school safely.

Rather than hassling with physical keys that kids can easily lose, you can create a unique user code for each of your children to use with a smart lock for keyless entry.

 

When your child enters his or her code on the smart lock’s keypad, the front door will unlock, your security system will disarm, and you’ll receive a notification on your smart home app letting you know who opened the door (and whether or not they’re really home when they said they’d be!).

Because kids will be kids, they may not remember to lock the door behind them. Not a problem. With a smart home, you can create custom actions that will enable the system to automatically lock the door two minutes after the door is closed, keeping your home secure and kids safe.

Make sure your kids are doing their homework

Even after your kids enter the house, you can continue to keep an eye on them with an indoor camera.

 

The Vivint Indoor Camera is an indoor camera with an HD wide-angle lens that provides a clear view of what’s happening inside the home. Using the Vivint app, you can “ping in” at any time to view the live camera feed and make sure your kids are doing their homework or chores.

And if they get sidetracked playing video games, you can use the camera’s two-way talk functionality to remind them to get started on their math homework.

 

Another convenient feature of the Indoor Camera camera parents will love is the one-touch callout, which lets your kids, babysitters, or family members call you with the touch of a button on top of the camera. The one-touch callout sends a notification to your phone that you’re being called from the Indoor Camera camera. Using the app, you can see and speak to your children and give them feedback on the progress of their cell model or diorama.

Know your kids are safe and your home is secure

In addition to the convenience cameras and smart locks offer, a Vivint security system protects your kids inside the home. If something unexpected happens, you’ll be notified, and our award-winning 24/7 home monitoring specialists are available to assist in an emergency.

Back to school time doesn't need to be stressful or worrisome for parents. With a Vivint, you can make sure your kids arrive home safely and check in on them whenever you want, giving your kids the independence they crave and the peace of mind busy moms and dads need.

Get a free quote on a smart home system today by calling us at 844.481.8630.