With a little practice and assistance from you, they should have no problem changing the door lock!

At a young age, it is a great idea to start honing your kids’ skills as they grow into adolescence. An excellent way to start is to teach them skills not taught in school. Changing the door locks is one of them!

Locking the door can be learned by kids as young as three. You can teach them by making a habit of locking all doors every time you leave your home or go to bed. However, changing, replacing and programming locks is at a whole different level. Developing this skill requires a step-by-step explanation and practice with your child.

As such, every adult is familiar with the concept of locking doors, whether it’s a standard single-latch lock or deadbolt. Even programming Schlage locks and replacing door locks are not a new concept to most of us. However, despite its commonplace nature, this practice can be new and confusing for children. They may not be equipped for emergencies such as being locked inside a room, and or leaving the key inside a locked room. 

As you read this article, you will learn how to teach your children how to change the door locks in your home safely. 

Importance of Home Safety and Security

As a first step, kids should be taught first the importance of having locks at home. Kids must understand that living in a secure environment helps them go on with their daily lives. With that in mind, what is the goal of home safety?

In essence, home safety is all about creating a safe environment for your family. As children grow up, they will have to learn what safe is and what isn’t. As a parent, it’s your job to provide the necessary skills to help them be alert and aware of what to do. 

That being said, one of the most important aspects of home safety and security is having an effective lock system. Teaching your children the basics of locks should be a priority. 

Changing Door Locks

Even though we rarely expect to change door locks, it does happen from time to time. With the help of a screwdriver and a little technical skills, you can replace locks in your home. It’s guaranteed to be cheap, easy, and convenient. Having the skills to do this will be extremely helpful to you and your kid. 

This is a perfectly safe procedure to do if you have any concerns about your safety. A new lock can be purchased at a local hardware store for under $15 and installed in 20 minutes. 

To help you further, here’s a step-by-step procedure that you should teach to instill handy locksmith skills in your little one:

Step 1: Purchase a new lock

You need to get a new lock. Have your kid join you on your trip to the hardware store. Most locks are rated for their effectiveness. Try to find a door lock that is the perfect size and fits your budget.

Step 2: Remove the screws from the old lock

Remove the two or three screws hidden inside the knob plate with a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull the doorknobs from each side and then remove the doorknobs from the door. Have your child do this part with your supervision. 

Step 3: Remove the latch screws

Take out the latch before you can remove the rest of the lock equipment. To remove the latch plate, loosen the two screws that hold it in place. From the opening in the door side, you can pull the latch out once you have removed the screws.

Step 4: Place the new latch

Install the new latch by sliding it into the opening on the edge of the door. To secure the latch, drive the new screws into the latch plate and the door edge.

Step 5: Assemble the door lock

The outside knob (the one with the keyhole) goes on the outside and the inside knob goes on the inside. Once they have been inserted, slide them in lock holes toward each other. They need to connect in the middle. Allow them to slide easily together instead of forcing them together.

And just like that, you have taught your kid the skill of door lock replacement! Changing door locks 

Opening a Combination Lock

When teaching kids new things, prepare to answer a lot of questions! For some kids, opening a locker at school may seem as simple as opening a lid. Some kids, however, may find working with combination locks extremely stressful. Practicing these locks can help your child before they start school. If you do this task at home, it will reduce your child’s stress more than doing it in a jam-packed hallway. 

Step 1: Input the first number of your combination

Make two full rotations of the dial, so you pass “0” twice. Stop when the first number of your combination lines up with the triangle at the top of the lock. 

Step 2: Input the second number of your combination

Turn the dial 1 full turn to the left past the first number in your combination. Stop when the second number of your combination lines up with the triangle. 

Step 3: Input the third number of your combination

Turn the dial to the right. Stop when the third number of your combination lines up with the triangle.

Step 4: Pull down lock

Once you have successfully input your three-number combination, pull down the lock. 

Kids can change locks!

Learning how to change locks, program Schlage Locks, and opening a combination lock can be tricky for anyone. But, with these simple steps, you’ll have your own locksmith in the family! Simply walk your child through the following steps and be on hand while he practices in case he has questions. 

When your children have mastered this skill, teach them other security techniques, like how to arm or disarm a security system. Or teach them how to properly hide a spare key!

In time, your family will become more united in its approach to home security as they become accustomed to these practices.