If you had a nanny would you have a camera?

[FanofLeaves]

Or cameras.

If so, why? If not, why not?

I’m just interested really. I’m a nanny and I’m currently between permanent jobs so I’m temping as back-up care through an agency in the meantime. Been doing it for around six weeks now so been to lots of different bookings, and I’d say around 70% have had cameras up in the room/s I’m working in. Beyond a Ring doorbell or a fancy baby monitor I’ve never to my knowledge been monitored via camera in any of my other nanny jobs to date.

The families are also supposed to disclose whether they have cameras up when I accept the booking but they never do. I usually know within seconds of greeting them at the start of the booking if they’re the type to have cameras installed, and I don’t think I’ve been wrong yet.

I do understand in a way as they don’t know me but I hate the feeling I’m being watched and am always a bit self conscious about it incase the parents are ‘tuning in’ when I’ve taken a second to check my phone or drink my coffee or sit for a minute if the child is engaged in something else.

Ive obviously been totally vetted by my agency in the way of background checks etc and have 15 years of experience with nannying. I have a child of my own too but if I hired a professional to care for him I don’t think I would feel the need to put a camera on them.

Just keen to hear perspectives really.

Yes I would only check the video if the child said something that worried me or had an injury and the story didn’t quite add up or something like that. Chances are it would go unchecked 99.99999% of the time.

Re “if you’re already at the point of suspicion then the employer/employee relationship is broken down” yes I think this is true for a permanent nanny, but doesn’t apply in the same way for a temporary cover situation where you haven’t got that trust or ongoing relationship in place.

We have cameras in the home but they aren't switched on unless we aren't home. (Primarily to watch our cats when we aren't there. We focus one on the feeder to see if it pops up at the right time- we are very sad!!) Our outside ones are on all the time, and there are signs. If I had a nanny I would ask if she minds the cameras being on. If she said no then I may leave them on I may not. If she said she was uncomfortable I would switch them off - as I feel uncomfortable with them and it's my home - i would make it clear. If she wasn't bothered by them we probably wouldn't put them on, as she has nothing to hide. Even someone with something to hide can work around cameras.
As someone earlier said - it's about trust. If you don't trust the nanny, don't leave your child in their care!!

But ALWAYS check out references yourself . Amd by phone, as people reveal far more useful information

Ooo tricky. I mean they obviously should declare it. I think I’d be way more likely to want one with a temporary nanny than with someone I’d had a consistent arrangement with for an extended time period. If I did have a camera I wouldn’t use it for checking in, but would more have it as a backup if I thought something may have happened etc.