Nannycams?

Question

what is your opinion? I'd be interested to hear from both parents and childcare workers?

Childcare workers- do you think you should be told that there is a camera filming you?

Answer 1

no way

Answer 2

I am a babysitter (not full time but on occasion) and i  would be horrified to know a camera was filing me.  And I would rather know first of all.  I know the world is full of crazy care takers and I would have a hard time leaving my kids with someone else, but I love children all the same and would be offended to think someone didn't trust me with their kids.  Being on camera would make me nervous and probably s***w up then.  What if the parents didnt like that I put their kid in the high chair to wait 3 minutes for their dinner?  Or didn't like that I put them in a play pin to play for 5 minutes while I took a dump?  I wouldn't do anything the parents wouldn't do and no one is filing them.  

Besides, it may save a few embarassing moments like picking a wedgie or adjusting the b***s. :)

Answer 3

As much as i would love to put a nannycam on my nanny, it strikes me as borderline illegal. - Its like stalking. I couldnt watch the tape. I think the nanny needs to be asked if its okay, and if they say "no" then they are obviously doing something you dont want to see! - So fire them!

If they are like "yeah sure? thats fine." then they are a good nanny i suppose.

Lorelai Kislov x

Answer 4

as someone who has worked in the childcare field as a nanny for several families, I would have no problem being video taped. Why should I? I don't understand why people say they would be horrified to know they were being taped. If you have nothing to hide then it shouldn't be a problem. I actually suggested it to one mom because she continually nagged me for advice saying she didn't understand why her daughter listened so well to me and not to her and wanted to know what I do different. I told her to video tape us and she could see for herself. It wouldn't have bothered me at all.

I have never left my kids with babysitters but I would have no problem video taping a nanny. I would let the nanny know ahead that there was a possibility they might be taped on occassion. I don't think it's right or necessesary to do it without their knowledge. Most people will "behave" regardless knowing you could tape them. If someone had a problem with being taped then I wouldn't want them babysitting for me anyway because that to me would be a red flag.

Answer 5

Every childcare worker should assume there is a video camera keeping tabs on them. When my kids were younger and a lot of work, I would imagine there was a camera watching my every move - and that actually prevented me from losing my temper.

Answer 6

I can see why parents would want one, especially when the babysitter has just started working and you dont know if you can trust them, or how they treat your kids.

But as a babysitter, I think its creepy to film someone without their knowing. Its happened to me and I felt absolutely violated. I came to the family with good references and a lot of experience, i think that should have been enough! And even once they knew I was a good babysitter- ie honest, sensible, sweet to their children- the mother kept it up so that she could complain about silly little things (One time I gave the three year old a cup with handles to drink from "He's too old, you'll stunt his motor skills!") In the end I quit, it was just too stupid, and totally disrespectful.

I think they are ok for checking big things- That the babysitter isnt neglectful, abusive, stealing, irresponsible etc. But to just watch someone for the little things, is voyerism and controlling.

In response to the parents who've said they wouldn't trust a babysitter who doesnt want to be filmed- the quality babysitters will move on when you disrespect the good work they do, and violate their privacy.

Answer 7

If you distrust the nanny so much that you install a camera you shouldn't have that nanny in the first place!

Answer 8

I think it's a wonderful idea as long as it's hooked up so you can access it from work, it's too hard to trust people these days with our children.  I would have no problem telling the person working for me that I will be filming your every move cause if they don't like it they can look elsewhere for a job, children need to be safe and the nannycam helps with that or atleast eases parents minds a bit.

Answer 9

Why would anyone install a nanny cam and then tell the nanny?

I would not hesitate to install a cam and I would certainly never tell anyone "I" was watching. Children are our most precious gifts and it is our responsibility to protect them and make sure that they are being cared for until a certain level of trust was established. If a nanny is doing the job they were hired for, they should have no problem with that whatsoever.

Answer 10

How would you feel if the Dept of Community Services told you that they had been secretly filming you for the last six months? Are you the perfect parent 24/7?