…On this security camera I just setup in my charge’s home.
There are soooooo many arguments I’ve heard over the use of cameras in families’ homes to check on their little ones throughout the day. Some take it as an attack on their ability as a caregiver, others couldn’t care less about its presence, some value it’s usefulness in caring for children, and others have split personalities (behaving one way in front of the camera and another way when out of the camera’s sight).
Personally, what you see is what you get. The way I act in front of a parent is the same way I’ll be when they’re gone for the day, and I can understand the curiosity and fears that must come with being a first-time parent who is handing over their role as caregiver and opening their home to someone they hardly know. It might sound silly to some, but there is some comfort in knowing that the person you chose to care for your child is indeed a great fit for your family, because BOOM – there they are. You SEE them doing a great job every day. On the other hand, when it comes to safety, parent-hood is often driven by instinct – going with that gut feeling. Most parents have a strong sense of when something or someone is off, so when parents go through the interviewing process with a prospective caregiver I would imagine that anyone who made them feel the slightest bit uneasy would be a definite NO.
One parent I met said it perfectly… If I can’t trust you when I’m in the room, if I’m feeling nervous or worried about your abilities as a caregiver, and if I’m constantly going to be worrying about what you’re up to, I don’t need a camera to tell me that you’re not a good fit. My nanny should feel like an extension of my family – their ability to be kind, capable, and honest being of primary concern.
That being said, there are some caregivers who seemed amazing at first, were trusted implicitly, and turned out to be huge disappointments. I say, do what makes you feel confident as a parent that your child is in the best possible care. Be open about your use of cameras in your home when hiring a caregiver. Remember, while a camera can be a useful tool, we never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or mistrusted.
What are your thoughts on cameras in the home? Do or Don’t?
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