The Pros and Cons of Nanny Cams

Nanny watching

The proliferation of nanny cams in homes and daycare centers is fast making it an acceptable practice. This does not mean that care givers are likely to appreciate being recorded without their consent. As a display of trust, it is considered good manners to disclose to your sitter that he or she is being recorded.

The good

It's an unpleasant business talking about the benefits of installing a nanny cam, but knowing that any offense against your child will definitely be punished to the full extent of the law is a comfort most parents consider paramount. Considering the consequences even further, the absence of a nanny cam with suspicion of foul play can land everyone in an emotional, expensive and time-consuming legal battle.

Of course, you can never completely safeguard your child from danger, but typically the mentioning of a nanny cam will have new sitters on their best behavior. Most of them even consider it a reasonable action.

The bad

On the other hand, certain child care givers may be offended. It is likely that they never intended to harm your child, and in this case, you are out a reliable sitter who just happened to be sensitive about being monitored.

The illegal

Nanny cameras can't be placed just anywhere, either. Just because it is your house doesn't mean that you can record somebody invited to work there. A nanny has the right to privacy in your bathroom and a bedroom if an overnight stay is required. Violation of these rights could find you on the wrong end of a lawsuit.

Overall, the decision to install a nanny camera is a good one and is growing in acceptance.