A nanny-cam is an in-home surveillance camera that's used to secretly monitor and record a nanny caring for a child. It is usually installed in a common household object like a stuffed toy, a clock, or a plant and uses built-in transmitters to transmit the video and sound to a recording device located in another room. It is a proven tool in identifying and bringing to justice abusive nannies.
There has been a lot of controversy about using nanny-cams. First of all, in some states it is illegal to record a person's voice without his or her consent. Those states are: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Some caregivers also protest that being secretly monitored invades their privacy. However, a nanny is your employee and your home is her workplace. Many employers have video cameras installed to monitor not only customers, but also their employees. Having a nanny-cam in your home isn't any different. To make sure you are not going to end up in a lawsuit, do not place the camera in the bathroom that the nanny will use, or in her bedroom, if she is required to stay overnight. Most caregivers do not object a nanny-cam and understand parents' concerns, but they just want to know that they are being recorded. You can let the nanny know that the camera will be used, so she is not offended. And knowing of being recorded, she will be on her best behavior.
Despite the controversy, more and more families have been installing nanny-cams in their homes. There have been so many reports of child abuse by babysitters that parents want to be sure of their own child's safety. While a nanny-cam may not protect a child from harm, there are many benefits of using it.
Being able to observe you children's interactions with their nanny via the camera is a great way to stay connected to your children. Many parents feel uneasy going to work and leaving their children at home with a babysitter or a nanny. Even if she is an excellent caregiver, an emergency can happen, and typically they may not know about it until they get a dreaded phone call. The camera allows parents to check on their kids at any time. It gives them not only the peace of mind, but also the ability to respond quickly, if anything happens.
Knowing about the nanny-cam can provide some comfort to the children. They may feel more confident, when they know that their parents are watching them. They will also behave better for the same reason.
Parents often wonder, if the person they hired is really qualified to take care of their kids. They usually provide instructions on everything from feeding to taking naps, but will this nanny do what she says? Her resume is glowing and all the references she provided are good (she probably wouldn't provide bad ones). Still, it is natural for parents to worry. A nanny-cam allows them to monitor nanny's behavior around their children. While it might not always be abuse, some sitters neglect the kids they are supposed to watch by being busy entertaining themselves. They may invite company over, watch TV, play video games, or sleep instead of keeping an eye on the children.
When abuse does happen, a nanny-cam is often the only way to find out. Even if parents notice some bruises and scratches on their child, a nanny can just say that the child had an accident. It is easy to believe that, because kids get bruised on a regular basis. A nanny-cam will provide evidence, whether the child has been mistreated. Oftentimes, an abusive nanny may keep on hurting the kids she is supposed to care for until she gets caught on tape. On the other hand, the camera can also prove nanny's innocence, if she is wrongly accused by some parents.
Nanny-cams are starting to be used in daycare centers, where parents can watch their children through the internet. This may give a daycare facility more credibility and help parents with easing their worries, as well.
A nanny-cam is an excellent tool for parents to observe and stay connected to their kids. It also helps in identifying and pursuing nannies that otherwise might get away with child abuse. However, the camera does not replace a thorough interview, a background check, and checking references of a prospective nanny. There is no such thing as being too careful, when entrusting a stranger with your child.