Protecting the Family Codes

Long ago, perhaps, one of our ancestors woke up in a baobab tree and said ?I am Stone-Chipper.? It was the birth of identity, the bright shining moment when consciousness first broke out across our furrowed brows. Today, identity has gotten just a tad more complex. You?re just not you without your username, password, PIN, credit card number and SSN.

While all of these security codes offer us real protection, they?ve also created more access points for pranksters and thieves. Ironic, isn?t it? But as parents it?s not always easy to see the humor in the situation. Protecting our identities means protecting our homes and our children.

So it just makes sense to have a plan of action for keeping track of our identity-defining codes. On the other hand, the last thing you want to do is write them all down. Imagine a single piece of paper containing every personal code your family needs. Now imagine that piece of paper in the wrong hands. Chilling, isn?t it?

So perhaps it?s best to memorize as many of their important account numbers as possible and keep all written records locked up tight, preferably in a safe deposit box. It?s also important to teach your children good security practices. Does the nice sales person on the phone want Mommy?s credit card number? Time to hang up.

How do you protect important codes and keys in your home? Who has access and who gets locked out? Share your favorite story about home security codes or the time your spouse left the ignition key in the rented car with the fancy keypad door combination.

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