Wednesday, 02 May 2012
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Using a Nanny Cam
We are using our first in-home baby sitter for our 9 month old this week. We found her on Craigslist, since we don't have friends or family in the area to babysit or recommend sitters.
I am a little ashamed to admit that I am considering leaving my computer on with the webcam running so that I can monitor her interactions with the baby. I am ashamed because I should know my babysitter better than this, I should feel 100% certain that this won't happen. But I don't feel 100% certain and the only way I would ever feel certain would be if the sitter was a family member.
I have worked with children victims of abuse and neglect and I know what the signs are, but what are the signs for an infant who was only exposed to abuse and neglect for a few hours? Exhaustion, blotchy face from crying, bruises, fearfulness or anxiety, clinging or refusing to be held? My son can't tell me what happened, so how do I know if he was just having adjustment issues with a new caregiver?
As the day approaches I am having more and more anxiety about this issue.
Any advice or suggestions?
Have you ever used a babysitter who you didn't know personally?
What makes you confident in your babysitter?
Have you ever used a Nanny Cam?
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About the Author
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- From: LupusInvictus@xanga
- About Me: I live in North Pole Alaska. I garden and cook. I am not good at either.
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Comments (38)
I understand that. I always say I want to stay at home if I have kids and it's possible, because you NEVER know what happens with other people. The first years are the most decicisive for their development. I wouldn't suspect anyone smoking in front of the baby or shaking it heavily or something, but someone else might have different convictions when it comes to parenting than I, and just do as they please. I agree with people saying that you should tell her though. If you tell her, it probably already prevents her from dong something 'wrong'.
@LadyGwenivere@xanga - Lol discrimination?! I'm sure they would not have been any happier had they found her making out with a dude..
@CandiedLilac@xanga - I know! But they sued her back on their lawyer's advice because she violated their contract about having "guests". The whole thing got out of hand pretty quickly,
@sarahsmurfette@xanga - Yep, that occurred to me, that I shouldn't feel weird even after I have met her. I still feel weird about it, even after I came home to a sleeping baby.
I think there's a website called Care.com that is for babysitters and tutors. I'm pretty sure the candidates have references, and you can pay for background checks. Of course, a background check won't help if they've never been convicted before, but... at least it might give you more peace of mind. I'd go with a trusted "babysitter website" instead of Craigslist, for sure, though! And listen to your instincts! If your heart says something is wrong, trust it!
Only do it if you let them know beforehand. Otherwise, it's invasion of privacy and kind of a dick move, even if you are doing it to protect your child.
Kinda late now, but in the future you could maybe run a background check and require references.
I think Care.com is free. I have a sitter account there. I could pay to upgrade my account (of course), but I don't. I can't be sure that it's the same for people looking for a sitter, but you could look.
@ohforrealson@xanga - Isn't that from Liar Liar?
As a nanny this irritates me. Have you thought about doing a trial run first? One where you are around the house with them while they interact with your child. Personally I would never work for someone who had a nanny cam.
You could also ask the children's librarian at the local library if they can recommend a nanny.
I worked for a family for 2.5 years and we met through Craigslist. I now consider them part of my extended family and I'm very grateful for them.
First of all..you got a babysitter from CraigsList.. I can understand your hesitation! Hate to say it..but over the years CraigsList has gotten a not so good rep. I would definitely make sure it's legal for you to video tape the babysitter, since it seems different laws for different states & I would go ahead & do it, for as long as you feel it is needed, in order to be more at ease. Nothing is more precious then a child & you can't ever be too safe when in concerns to one. :]
Sittercity is a great place to get babysitters.
I have it, as i am a babysitter.
Also, i have babysat numerous times for someone that has a nannycam. She told me the first day we met.
1. I love babies/children i would never hurt them, i couldnt. I don't even like killing bugs..
2. I was so terrified of the nanny cams that even if i WAS a bad person i was too paranoid, trying to figure out where they might be. LOL.
But, the mom i babysat for had them because one of her children was abused, something dealing with the bathtub but idk the whole story. (by a bf, the dad, who i'm not sure it was..) and is pretty much now a "vegetable".
So. Get a nanny cam and tell your babysitter they are hidden. But def. don't say where. ;)
@VampireOfSeduction@xanga - Maybe there was a scene similar to it in Liar Liar, I'm not sure. But it was an actual story as well.
Hmmm. seems understandable about the personal rights.... you ever think of maybe telling the babysitter that you are going to run the cam on the crib in case ... dunno... a raccoon gets in? or someone tries to babynap your child without the babysitter knowing? And then just say, just leave it on, if you turn it off I will report you.
ta da.
I would recommend doing a background check. The video camera subject, I don't see anything wrong with it. It's your child. The babysitter is new to you and your family. I am sure the sitter is fine, but if having a recording camera running will give you some peace of mind, do it.
-KB
Even if the person who was babysitting was someone i knew,i'd still have a nanny cam. you never know if when your baby pissed them off they'd hit it. Or if they'd molest it. Most molestation occurs in the family,you know. and craigslist is a NO NO.