If you have school-aged children that spend time at home by themselves because of your work schedule, you are not alone. In 2011, it was reported that approximately 4 million kids spent time at home unsupervised for at least an average of 6 hours a week. Although you likely worry about what can go wrong with your latchkey child, there are a few ways a locksmith service can ease your mind.

Spare Time for a Spare Key

As soon as you have some spare time, make it a point to make a spare key. Locksmiths specialize in making all types of keys to suit various locks, ranging from standard doorknob locks to deadbolts. Some locksmiths even make keys for specialized locks.

Your child will need a spare key in order to let him or herself in and out of the house. Make sure you purchase a lanyard that your child can attach the key to for safe keeping. Of course, children are prone to both accidents and forgetfulness. If you worry about your child forgetting or losing the key, find a safe place to hide it outside your home.

Avoid common hiding spots such as under doormats and the like. Instead, hide the key in less obvious places that only you and your child know about. Suggestions may include inside the knot of a tree or perhaps stored under fake flowers inside a flowerpot.

Lock Down Lockout Solutions

If for any reason your child loses the key to the house or is unable to find the spare key, a locksmith can help. If your child does not have a cell phone to contact you, instruct them to go to the nearest neighbor to use a phone.

Fortunately, if your child calls you and is locked out of the house, you can contact a locksmith to pick the lock on your home. Locksmiths specialize in picking various locks, so no matter how complicated your home's locking mechanisms are, a professional can come to the rescue.

Many locksmiths offer emergency services, meaning they can come to your aid at any time during the day or night. Thanks to their timely response and the convenience of 24-hours services, you can rest at ease knowing your child will not have to sit outside your house for hours waiting for you to get home.

Secure Safety with Secure Locks

Aside from offering spare key and lock picking services, a locksmith also specializes in providing you with complex locking mechanisms for your doors and windows. Complex locking systems can increase the safety of your latchkey child.

You have likely instructed your child to lock the door once they are inside the house. Additionally, you want to ensure that no one can get into the house without a key. Therefore, you should speak to a locksmith about the installation of secure locks.

A locksmith can inspect your home to determine what locking mechanisms will work best with your doors and windows. Combination locks are always an option. Combination locks include more than one locking mechanism, such as a locking knob with the addition of a deadbolt.

Furthermore, some locksmiths are able to provide security system installation. Security systems can provide you with the peace of mind you need to know that your child is safe at home despite being alone.

Contact a professional locksmith, such as those at Arapahoe County Security Center Inc, to find out what other services they might offer to help increase the safety of your child. Make sure you let the locksmith know the details of your situation. If the locksmith knows your situation, they will be better able to tailor solutions that best fit your needs.