We installed this latch on our driveway gate about 4 years ago. It ensures that our back yard is completely enclosed, and it's well out of the kids' reach, which means the kids can't wander in and out without our knowledge or consent. Or so we thought.
Soon after the latch was installed, 3Po and Jammy (who were about 18 months old at the time) were out in the yard playing with their Little Tykes Cozy Coupe ride-on cars. I was indoors and I heard lots of banging on the gate. I figured they were having fun ramming the cars into the gate and thought nothing of it. Then all was quiet for about 5 minutes..... too quiet. I went outside and discovered that they had been banging the gate in order to flip the latch. The latch had lifted, the gate had opened, and they were off, laughing and riding their cars on the sidewalk.
After that incident, we always made sure we threaded a padlock through the hole so that it would never accidentally flip again. And the latch became a lock. Lesson learned: do not underestimate a toddler who wants to escape.
For more locks, click here.
15 comments:
Lesson well learned, without anyone getting hurt!
That was resourceful of them. It is a relief that they didn;t get hurt though. Happy weekend!
I had a beagle who tended to dig out under the fence and roam the woods. She had a large dog run with a gate and she couldn't dig under this... but she could nose up the latch and open the gate. I had to put a padlock in it... didn't have to lock it.. just put it in. Of course, then she started climbing the fence until she got too fat to do so.
Mine is up here.
Great take on the theme. I'm glad the children were alright. They can certainly get inventive when they want to get out.
I haven't seen a lock like that anywhere else today. Glad the kids were ok. Several of my dogs have defied my attempts at locking gates.
My posts:
http://cowardscorner-nitwit1.blogspot.com
Yep, you gotta keep a sharp eye out for them. Don't you know it won't be long before you actually have to lock the lock.
How old are those two now? I'll be they are - or will be - creative geniuses!
Great photo!
http://blondesherry.blogspot.com/2009/06/photohunt-lock.html
Good post and photo for this week. :) Have a good weekend. :)
We have a seven year old and we thread a carabiner thru the hole and that works too!
What a story behind that latch turned lock! :b
Smart kids...and well you learned! ;)
Mariposa's PhotoHunt
Hahaha ! what a surprise, the perfect lock !
Kids nowadays are full of tricks and surprises! At least you know how smart your kids are.
Here's my entry: http://www.maureenflores.com/2009/06/photo-hunt-lock.html
Something like that puts you in panic mode. Glad they were okay. Good lock system you have.
Great lesson indeed. Kids can be so witty and resourceful. You're right, we shouldn't underestimate them.
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