Fun things parents can do with an interactive security system

Do you have teenagers at home for the summer, like I do? Are you worried they will spend too much time playing video games? Well I certainly am, and I have dreamed up a wild “security solution” to resolve this fear.

With WH Security’s new interactive services through Alarm.com, I can remotely control (via smart phone or computer) any device that plugs into an electrical outlet – as well as the security system components – in my home. I know that in the past, we’ve focused on promoting this service’s ability to control lights, thermostats and door locks, but why stop there (especially when there is an Xbox – that plugs into a controllable electrical outlet – that could be getting way too much attention)?

These services also allow me to remotely view video, and I can receive text message alerts any time a pre-specified security sensor is tripped within my house. Oh, this is going to be fun…

Let’s pretend for a moment, that my son decides he wants to spend a day playing video games (I am okay with him playing them for a little bit each day, but an excessive amount isn’t very productive). I have a perfect solution to combat this while I’m away from home:

First, I will set up a motion sensor in my living room that will send me a text-message alert when someone has sat on the couch. With remote video monitoring, I can check to see if that person is my son and if he is playing video games. Then I’ll check back again 30 minutes later, and if he is still playing video games, I will remotely turn off the Xbox and call him to say, “Matt – enough of the video games; it’s time to get to your chores.” That should make his day. Who says that technology is just for kids?

All it takes is a little creativity, and there are plenty of fun things parents can do with an interactive security system. Its features can be used to let parents know what time a teenager comes and goes from home, and traditional door and window sensors can be used to alert parents if their kids sneak out of the house at night.

In addition to the peace of mind I receive because I know my security system is helping guard my home from intrusion, fire and so much more, now I can also use it to protect me from “teenage couch potatoes.” It’s like having automated babysitter.