Should You Have a Nanny Camera?
The Advantages and Disadvantages of This Type of Home Surveillance
Basically, nanny cameras (or nanny-cams) are hidden cameras that are placed in areas of your home that will allow you to see what is going on in your home while you are at work or any place else you have computer access. They allow you to see real-time activity, so you can monitor your caregiver's interactions with your child at all times.
Are these nanny cameras a good idea? There are many advantages and disadvantages of using them. Many people feel that these are an invasion of privacy, but when your children are involved, is it really? There is really no right or wrong answer, so you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these cameras before using them.
Advantages of Using the Nanny Camera
As mentioned above, the main advantage of using this type of surveillance camera is that you can see what is going on in your home while you are away. If you want to know every detail of your child’s day, then this can help you accomplish this goal. In many cases, you can tune-in using your computer at work to check up on the day and view the caregiver's interactions with your child.
Another reason families are turning to nanny cameras for surveillance is that they can also serve to "spy" on maids who clean your home, and in other general situations where your home's security can be jeopardized. They are labeled for nanny surveillance, but are versatile enough to be used for other purposes as well.
There are many kinds of cameras that you can buy, and range anywhere from $100 to $500 per camera. If money is no issue, then these cameras can be installed in all the rooms of your home. The digital systems will give you live feeds at your location. You can also buy smaller versions, and these are typically placed in a stuffed animal to stay hidden.
Disadvantages of Using a Nanny Camera
Of course, there are plenty of disadvantages of using such as camera in your home. They are pricey, and they may not give you the results you want. Plus, anyone with a little technical skills can hack into your live feeds and see everything going on in your home. That can be a scary thought.
There is also the issue of trust. You hired a nanny to care for your child, and in most cases she has the child’s best interest in mind. If you spy on your nanny that can destroy the trust she has for you and vice versa. It is almost as if you are accusing her before an incident happens.
So, if you feel the need to have a camera to watch your caregiver's every move, think about it carefully. Perhaps you can tell this person that you are considering putting one in the home in order to watch your child while you are away. Perhaps you could create a "no camera" zone in your home and only have a camera in one room in the house, such as the playroom.
You will also want to check your local laws. While nanny cameras are legal in all 50 states of the U.S., in your particular state it may be illegal to record a person's speech without permission. This can cause more problems then you intended to deal with.
A nanny camera can certainly provide parents with the feeling of confidence in leaving their child in the care of a sitter. It also appears that communication with the caregiver plays a big role in whether or not families choose this type of surveillance. Whatever your personal decision, the ultimate goal is your child's safety and best interest.
