Safety Problem - 7yo Took off Second-Story Window Screen

15 years ago

I know this is a bit off topic, but everyone here seems to know so much about everything. Tonight, my 7-year-old son managed to take the screen out of his second story bedroom window. The thought of him falling out terrifies me. This occurred after his bedtime, when he apparently was bored because he couldn't fall asleep (big problem for him). We've lived in two-story homes in the past, and he never did anything like this. He knows this is dangerous and he is not allowed to open any windows in the house. He knew he did something wrong, because he hid the screen under his bed.

As you may know, we just built a two-story house last fall, and we have two boys (ages 14 and 7). They both have ADHD, which means they have significant problems with hyperactivity, impulse control, and monitoring their own behaviors, as well as considering the consequences of their actions. We have had problems with them seeming fearless and engaging in risky behavior, i.e. thinking they can jump into a deep pool when they can't swim. The younger one really believes he could stop a tornado. Anyway, the reason I mention this is because I want to communicate that these issues rise far beyond what non-ADHD kids of their age do. Obviously, this contributes to huge safety concerns.

I have searched for some type of safety product for double-hung second-story windows, and they seem geared toward very young children. They also need to open in case of fire. My concern is that my 7-year-old could figure out how to open up the window, despite a safety feature, as he is very mechanical. These products also seem to be geared toward accidental falls, and in the case of my youngest son, he might purposefully try to get out the window. Of course, we've discussed the dangers of this type of behavior with both of our boys, but again, that doesn't mean they'll listen. I don't think we need to worry about the older one doing something on purpose.

Has anyone had this problem? I'm still shaken up about what could have happened tonight.

I don't even care about how unattractive the safety devices might look. Any product that will do the job would be great.

When we built the house, I mentioned this concern to our builder, who stated that we could just open the windows from the top so that the bottom wouldn't need to be open if we wanted to let some air in. He probably wasn't thinking that a child would try to open the window and take the screen out.

Thanks for your thoughts or ideas,

Jan

Featured Answer

les917

15 years ago

I did some searching and saw some window guards that swing out, and can be locked in place with a padlock, etc. so that he could not remove them. But, they obviously would not allow for him to get out in the case of a fire. There are also window alarms that you can attach, that go off as soon as the window is opened at all.

You might talk with your doc that is caring for the kids ADHD issues, or perhaps check with an ADHD support site, where they might have more specific suggestions.

Hope you find the answer to keep your beloved boys safe. I know it must be a constant worry for you.

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Comments (8)

jan_in_wisconsin
Original Author
15 years ago
Les,

Thanks for the info. I hadn't heard of the alarms. Those might be especially helpful. Do you have any links? I'll do a search as well.

Both boys are on medication for the ADHD, however, it is not in effect early in the morning or later in the day, and at these times they struggle more. The medicine is helpful, but does not solve all the problems, by far.

I am a member of an ADHD support site, and I'll check there too. I'm sure we can't be the only people with this problem.

This day has been particularly rough. Thanks for the info.

Jan
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les917
15 years ago
Here is one link:

window alarm

Here is another:

wireless alarm
summiebee
15 years ago
I have two daughters (4 and 8) and we have a full blown security alarm on our home. We have window alarms that work somewhat similar to the ones Les posted. If a windo or door opens in the house the control panel states "fault daughter's bedroom window" or "fault front door". Rarely will they go outdoors without permission unless they are running in and out all day and once did my 8 year old open her window, but my husband says "Just try to sneak out when you are 16, just TRY" Haha! At night we setit for instant and if you open a door without disarming it an alarm goes off, wakes us up etc. The only time this has happened was 1.) someone opened our backdoor. It was left unlocked by myself on accident, and we found out there was a string of robberies the week prior two street over. 2.) My mother was visiting and she decided to go outside at 3a.m. to the front porch because she could not sleep????? If you have an alarm already they are not expensive to add to the windows and our system is completely wireless from ADT, so not a huge mess. That being said the ones that Les posted would alert you for that window at that window. If you have your BR on the first floor though it may be difficult to hear right away. As where a security alarm has a panel in whatever place you want. Ours is the kitchen which I can hear all over the downstairs area since it is open and our bedroom. :) Good Luck!
daisyadair
15 years ago
Jan, I totally feel your pain! Have you heard my story about my ADD daughter? Our alarm chimes whether it is armed or not, and when it is set, it makes a very loud noise when it's disarmed. My daughter was 14 and not on medication when this happend. In order to by-pass the security system in the middle of the night, she crawled out the laundry room cat door, into the garage and went out thru the garage door. Apparently she had done this a number of times before we got a call from the police in the middle of the night requesting that we come pick up our daughter. She was grounded for a full year and we started our long search for the correct balance of medications.

I know there are keyed locks that you can put on windows. There's some good info at the link. Keep an eye on that 14 y.o. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's a good article on window safety
Beth Parsons
15 years ago
We installed Guardian Angel Window Guards in our last house where the kids' rooms were upstairs. Your kids are older and may be able to figure out how to use the emergency unlock mechanisms, though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Guardian Angel Window Guards
Ideefixe
15 years ago
Both my kids have ADD, as do I. Impulse control is hard to master--witness my speed with the Post key. On the other hand--taking off the screen is something any 7 year old boy could and would do.

Anyway, do you actually have a family fire plan? Is the 7 year old really likely to need to go out the window in event of an emergency?

You could install breakaway bars and razor wire, but the juvenile house of detention isn't a popular decorating theme. (I know from experience.)

The Timothy Healey Foundation has a good amount of information.

Here is a link that might be useful: Window Safe.Org
jan_in_wisconsin
Original Author
15 years ago
Les, thanks for the links. I'm looking at all the options.

Summiebee, we don't presently have an alarm system, but we've thought about purchasing one. It would be great if it also doubles as child protection in some way. I know ADT is a reputable company.

Daisyadair - thanks for sharing your story about your creative daughter. Aren't they inventive? Hope all is going well for your family. Thanks for the link. I now feel more informed about the various options out there. I'm wondering if my son could figure out how to remove window stops.

parsonse, I've looked at the Guardian Angel window guards, and they seem to be an excellent option. I also wondered if my youngest could figure out the unlocking mechanisms though.

ideefixe, you're right that it's probably unlikely that our child would exit out of the home through his window in the case of fire. However, we just built our home, and there are codes related to emergency exit situations. I know we could bolt all the windows shut, but I'm hoping there is a better option than that. Yes, any 7-year-old might take out a window screen, but I need to stress that my boys do not display normal fear reactions in dangerous situations. When my oldest was just five years old, he ran up to the top of the balcony at our church, after the service, and to our horror, proceeded to climb over the edge. He was hanging by one arm! This is not "normal" on a daily basis. Even though we've discussed the dangers of opening upstairs windows and told both boys that they are not allowed to open windows in the house, they have both done so anyway. I have no faith whatsoever that my youngest won't try this again in a more daring fashion in the future. Thanks for the window safe link.

Jan

Safety Problem - 7yo Took off Second-Story Window Screen

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Safety Problem - 7yo Took off Second-Story Window Screen

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