Nanny Cams, the Good, Bad and the Ugly

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Nannys Gone Wild

No doubt you have heard that report from North Carolina where a nanny was fired after being caught on Nanny Cam. If not, I'm sure you heard a similar one. In this case, the mother goes to work after hiring a highly recommended nanny, but has a funny feeling something might not be right. She buys and installs a Nanny Cam to appease her suspicions and sees her twin babies were being mistreated, after the first day she used the camera.

Many parents consider using hidden surveillance devices in their homes to watch their child's caregiver, but some balk at the perceived cost of the investment. Others argue the invasion of privacy argument... but really now, we are talking about the safety and welfare of our own kids. Can you put a price tag on that?

The Advantages of Using a Nanny Cam

There are a wide variety of hidden cameras available on the market today. The best are wireless and can be hidden in almost any type of household item from a stuffed animal to a wall clock or a book on your bookshelf.

Prices range from around $200 for a basic system run off your home PC to $3000 or more for a complete system that monitors several rooms of your house. You can view live video via the internet or cell phone at any time to see what is going on at home. Peace of mind and confidence in child care are the leading reasons why some families decide to "spy" on their child's nanny or babysitter.

The Disadvantages of Using a Nanny Cam

There are studies and polls show that many care providers are not necessarily against video taping of child-provider interaction. Hopefully most nannies are trustworthy and are doing the right thing. Usually it's just that they want to know about it ahead of time. It seems to be a matter of trust and feeling of deception. To this I say who cares. It is my child, and I am paying you to do your job and not mistreat my children. Integrity is doing the right thing when you think no one is watching. In God we trust, all others we monitor.

Other Uses For In-Home Surveillance

Hidden Cameras can be used for many other reasons than just keeping tabs on child care. The systems can be used while your home is being cleaned, for occasional in-home sitter services, and for security reasons. You can even keep an eye on your pets, which many pet owners may argue are their "kids" anyways. Nothing says guilty like having it on tape.

Do providers support the use of video cameras?

While most of the media stories focus on potential abuse and inattention being reasons parents should consider using a Nanny Cam, some sitters have indicated a camera can provide a positive connection with the families while at work.

The issue seems to be when care providers are secretly taped. As a parent, you can handle the situation by telling a potential care provider upfront that a nanny cam will be used. This way they can feel comfortable and confident about their child's care and either accept or decline the position with a family who uses a Nanny Cam. Would you really want an nanny the refused to be videotaped anyways? I doubt it.

Is It Legal To Use A Hidden Camera?

It is indeed legal in all 50 states to use a Hidden Cameras. However, it is illegal to record speech without a person's consent in the following 15 states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Most standard nanny cams do not include audio recording, only video.

Are More Daycares Starting To Use Cameras?

Many daycare centers are installing CCTV cameras and some provide parents with the ability to spot check and watch their child while at work. Some facilities provide parents with a real-time access to watch happenings in their child's classroom via the internet. Parents report that while they often don't use it all the time, it's nice to be able to log in and check on their child whenever they desire. There is no better feeling to be able to tune in for a few minutes and reassure yourself that your kids are doing fine.

Where Can I Get A Nanny Cam?

Glad you asked! Worth Protection Security has many different options that can be suited and customized for your particular situation. Prices can vary greatly depending on your need and overall usage and expectation. Check out our site and feel free to ask any questions that would help you choose the perfect home monitoring system.

Don't let your children be neglected or become mistreated by anyone - arm yourself and your family with a Nanny Cam today!

It would be nice to believe that nothing will happen to you, but the reality of it is that an ounce of protection could be worth more than a pound of cure. What is Worth Protection to you? Your belongings? Your family? Your personal well-being?

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