Lindsey

Nanny cams /dropcam

My friends just installed a nanny cam, which really surprised me as her nanny is lovely and the kids adore her. However, the more women I speak to, the more it seems like this is a totally normal thing to do. I think it starts the relationship off on the wrong foot, I wouldn't hire anyone I didn't fully trust to look after my kids and don't feel comfortable spying. BUT, the 'mom guilts' kicking in that I'm being irresponsible not having one?! Am I being too trusting? Would love your advice!
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I mean, my MIL keeps telling me to do this, and I just can’t. It feels like a breach of trust...definitely following this to see what other mamas think!

I’m a stay at home mom so I don’t have any experience with this. But to be honest, my first reaction is yes I would use a nanny cam. I have worked in early childhood education for many years and I have seen some crazy crazy thingsSo happen that you think would never happen and definitely should never happen. I would want to make sure my son is being cared for in a safe and loving way. Maybe that means I have trust issues or that I have a jaded view of the world now, but you never truly know people.

I think nanny cams are just another tool for keeping our children safe. I would be open about having them (not necessarily pointing them out), but I see nothing wrong with a watchful eye.

As a former nanny I only worked for 1 family who had them. She was very upfront about them and said they were for her so she could see her little girl when she was away. However it always made me so uncomfortable, like i couldn't even drink coffee, or go pee without feeling watched. I would find myself eating my dinner while her little girl napped because its just weird being watched and nit feeling trusted. I have many babysitters for my son now and I only hire people I have a good feeling about. To create that bond of trust is really important. So if you trust yiur Nanny and your little one is happy when you get home, don't fall into the pressure of needing one. If you however feel more at ease having them, be upfront about where they are and why you want them up.

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I agree . I think parents should pay attention to how the children act, react when introduced to the potential nanny/babysitter . Children often times don’t filter out uncomfortable feelings or body language. Pay attention to your kids !

I’ve never had a nanny cam, but then I haven’t had anyone but family look after my kids at home. However if I did, I think I’d be so distracted by it that it would negate the need of having the childcare in the first place, as I’d get nothing done! I completely respect the nannies and teaching professionals comments on here though, that it must feel quite invasive. Interested to see other comments on this.

Eeekkkkk 😬 the nanny-cam topic. When I was interviewing nannies, most asked me if I would have one. I don’t. I’m uncomfortable with this concept. But it’s becoming more and more common. Following...

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I too don’t have a nanny cam. I feel like I trust her. And I can’t live in fear that something bad is going to happen. I had another many for over 2 yrs and never used a cam. I think the modern era has us all needing to much tech.

I wrestled with this issue and ended up getting a nanny cam. I was surprised to find out most of my mama friends had them. I was open about it with my nanny and she was accepting of it. I know she doesn’t love it, but I’m gone for many hours and love to be able to look in at my son. I check maybe once a day. My nanny told me she hangs out in a different room when my son is napping so she doesn’t feel like she’s being watched, and I totally get that. For me it’s an added bit of security and gives me that much more peace of mind when leaving my babe every morning.

If I felt need for one, I'd find a new nanny.

Uhm no!!! You think the nannies that hurt children came off as odd and parents are like "hey let's use her anyway"... I volunteer with a nonprofit that helps children that have been sexually abused, and the people who hurt children work very hard to gain your trust and mislead you. You often hear things like, "we never thought she would do this" and their background check is only as good as they have been caught. Why would a good nanny care if you could vitually peek in on your kids and tell her up front that they are more valuable to you than her privacy with them???

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And knowing your being watched helps keep us on our best behavior. It might be the difference between being on her best behavior and losing it one day, snapping for the first time (cuz your nanny has a life you know nothing about, boyfriend, finals, grandma dying of cancer and can't control in the least)

I have a camara and really trust my nanny. I told her before I hired her that there would be camaras. She said she was glad and that it would be a great tool for us to see the quality of her work. I think as long as you are open about it she/he should have no issues.

I have two different childcare providers coming to my house during the week while I’m at work. One is my parents and the other is a family friend. I was upfront with both telling them we have 2 nest cams for security. One is downstairs with a view of the door and the other is on the nursery. I told them we had them just so they weren’t surprised or suspicious. Being at work is tough so it is nice to do a quick check in. I’m not checking in on them, I’m just looking at my kid. Both were fine with it. I think the cams are a great tool for working parents.

First I believe by law you need to tell the nanny there is a camera.. ( just an fyi) I would always then use it against myself... Meaning before I go pointing fingers at the nanny : " you were on your phone".. " you didn't this...you didn't that"--- I d watch myself to see if I am doing my best... Check in how I am doing ( if that makes sense)

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Nanny cams are legal in all 50 states and babysitters are not required to be told.

When it comes to my baby I wouldn’t think twice about using a nanny cam. My baby’s well being and safety is far more important than the risk of offending someone.

I’ve got two installed in our home... I don’t feel bad at all about checking it throughout the day.

Trust No One

I won’t use one. I feel it’s a breach of privacy! If you have to monitor your children’s child care when you’re not home you probably need a different child care provider.

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Most child abusers are trusted friends or family. No one should be offended by you doing things to protect your kid just in case of abuse. It doesn't mean you don't trust them, it just means that you won't let that trust keep you from making wise decisions regarding your child's safety.

My daycare doesn’t have cameras and I don’t even feel the need to drop in unexpectedly! I wouldn’t leave my child with someone I felt I needed to spy on, but I think they are fairly common.

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