Help explaining the "why" of security systems to kids.

[ChristyMarie]

Anyone gone though this?

DS is just now asking "why" in regards to the house alarm.  He knows it is turned on and off and that there are motion and sound sensors and stuff but he's never asked why before.  This morning ( before I had my coffee ;) ) he started asking "why".

We've dealt with it a little because of our neighborhood security but that seems easier to answer - more generic.  He's asked some general questions about that and we've basically said the guards are there to make sure only people who live here come in.  I'm sure "why" is next in that situation too.

Obviously I'm very concerned with safety and security but don't want to scare him.  I really don't know what the age appropriate answers are.  He'll be 5 in July.

If anyone has BTDT I'd appreciate your experience.

[MusicianDad]

At almost 5 I would probably stick to the idea of theft prevention. Just explain that sometime people want to take things that aren't theirs and the alarm will help stop them if they come into the house to try.

[ChristyMarie]

Interesting suggestion, thank you.  I wonder if it will make him worry about someone coming in the house though?  I'm not sure we've really discussed theft yet.  Gosh, when do you have to do that???

Why can't they stay babies longer?  ;-)

[swd12422]

Mine is only 3, so maybe this isn't enough for an older child, but we explain that the alarm is "for emergencies." Fire, break-in, whatever. He is focused more on fire b/c of fire drills at school and seeing fire trucks out on the road, so we don't focus on break-ins or anything else.  He is scared of sudden, loud noises, and the fire drill freaked him out. He was scared for a long time that the alarm would go off, so we just kept explaining that it is just a loud noise that tells you when there is an emergency. Then the fire trucks and police cars come and make sure everyone is safe.  Maybe instead of talking about what could happen, say it's there to keep everyone safe. (Again, maybe not enough for an older child, as DS thinks we lock our door when we leave so the dog can't get out....)