Deciding to have copies of your house keys made by the local locksmith and figuring out the right time to give them to your child isn’t easy. Providing children with keys means ensuring they are mature enough to handle the responsibility and contribute to a safe, secure residence. The points in the following guide can help you determine if your child is ready for keys or needs more responsibility lessons first. 

How to Determine the Right Time to Give Kids House Keys

Factors to Consider

Keep your child’s age in mind, as most parents don't have locksmiths make keys for kids younger than 11 years old. Many prefer to wait until their children are between 12–17, when they have a deeper understanding of what home security means. 

Let their maturity level dictate when it’s the right time. For example, if you have a 14-year-old who walks their younger sibling home from school and easily keeps up with their homework assignments and chores, you can probably trust them with house keys. Conversely, if you have a 13- or 14-year-old who needs gentle reminders about chores, homework, and any other responsibilities, such as watching a younger sibling while you work, it’s probably best to wait. 

Tips for Helping Kids Keep Up With Keys

Make it easier for your older child to keep track of their keys by attaching them to large keychains, such as those with pom-poms or sizable pieces of yarn. Ask them to designate specific spaces for holding the key, so they know where it is at all times. For example, your child can keep the key in the front pocket of their backpack while at school and on a special hook when they are at home. You might also want to purchase a locator device for easy retrieval in the event of a loss. 

Home Security Tips for Kids 

Sit down with your eldest child to discuss the importance of home security before handing the keys over. Talk about components of your access control system, if applicable, such as what the passcode is and how hitting the panel’s emergency button calls 911. Create a checklist for the child to go through every day to maintain a safe home, which can include checking that all doors and windows are locked, never allowing visitors or using the grill, stove, or oven until you're home, and periodically texting you to check in. Also, discuss why it’s important that they never give out your address and to call you if they lose the keys for any reason. 

You might want to furnish keys on a trial basis. If your child follows your security checklist every day for a select time, you can make the responsibility permanent.

If you're ready to have house keys made for your child, visit Bates Street Lock & Safe in St. Louis, MO. The licensed, bonded, and insured locksmiths provide home and business owners throughout South St. Louis City and County with quality services for upfront prices. They provide lock and safe services, install and rekey door locks, and duplicate keys. Visit them online for a complete list of residential services, or call (314) 351-7252 to request a quote.