Moving away from home for the first time can be a scary and exciting challenge for many of today's young people. Meeting new friends, getting oriented to life on a college campus, choosing classes-these are just a few of the activities a new college freshman gets to experience. Most of us who have been through this special period in our lives, however, know that while it is filled with perhaps some of the best memories we have ever made, it is also filled with uncertainties, crossroads we've never come to before, and important decisions that will affect us for the rest of our lives. Many parents feel happy and a little bit nervous as they attempt to strike that fine balance between stepping aside and giving more freedom to their children, while at the same time not relinquishing total control and responsibility to their teen all at once. Whether that means simply checking in from time to time, or electing to have grade reports sent to the home, the balance between independence and assistance is one which remains fluid and must be arrived at through open discussion and compromise on both sides. There are some measures which will be harder to implement than others, but parents can be assured of one important thing that they and their child can agree upon: home security.

For many students at private and public universities across the United States, the ability to live with a group of college roommates in a dorm or off-campus house is a big part of the fun of being a student. It also comes with its share of responsibilities, however, as making the transition from a family home to an independent residence can present its share of unexpected challenges. Figuring out whose turn it is to take the trash out or do the dishes is only part of the issue, and young people often forget to take precautions toward securing their safety. This can be especially hard in private houses with a bevy of housemates, as doors may often go unlocked, and guests to the premises may not always be invited. Fortunately, both your child and you can agree that today's top quality home security systems are a valuable asset to their home safety, and at such affordable prices, the parents of other housemates will certainly agree as well.

A knowledgeable safety expert will help your family choose the best alarm equipment for your child's specific circumstances and a reliable technician will aid you in assessing the various options for equipment placement during the installation process. Some factors which may come into play to influence the specifics of your home alarm system are the presence of house pets, the size of the property, and the setup of the house. Pet immune motion sensing devices take into account the size and activity of the pet on the premises. Video surveillance cameras may also be an option for suburban homes, as larger houses with six or eight inhabitants are often in need of increased vigilance as it is more difficult to distinguish who are friends or invited guests, and who may be strangers to the property. Not only is the installation of a home alarm system an increasingly popular option for safety-conscious Americans, but the affordable price makes it a no-brainer for academic all-stars and their parents at home too.