Not sure what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These days it is becoming more + more common to get hacked into.

Unless the Nanny agrees to being filmed, she should be given the option of declining due to the chance that other people could also have access to the footage.

This should be discussed in the final interview. Cams are common in children's rooms and playrooms so parents can check on them. If a nanny was not comfortable with having them, employers could use that as a selection criteria.

[Anonymous]

Okay I would be thrilled to have cameras; my biggest fear is something happening to a child and not being able to prove I didn't harm them. Cameras really help back you up if you're a good nanny.

That said, I also agree I want to know about them upfront. Since this is visible you just need to mention it and move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Jane, I noticed a camera in the playroom. I have no problem with cameras, but since you hadn't mentioned it to me I wanted to talk about it briefly. Can you tell me whether you have any others in the home, and who has access to the feeds? Obviously I have no problem with you and Dan watching, but in this day and age I'd feel a little more comfortable if I knew the parameters you've set on usage, watching, security, etc... Thanks."

That opens the conversation in a completely appropriate, not defensive way - and it also puts them in the position of having to disclose what they should have discussed with you when interviewing.

NP here. I think this is a great way of handling it (unlike the juvenile suggestions that you flash the camera. I'd fire someone on the spot who did that to me). The above approach addresses the problem (of the employer not telling you about the camera) and opens up for discussion the very real issues to be concerned about. Best of all, it gives the employer the benefit of the doubt. I think in any healthy, long term professional relationship, giving each other the benefit of doubt is essential. It goes both ways. If I, as an MB, have an issue with you, I should give you the benefit of the doubt and talk to you about any problems. For all you know, the cameras could have been there for years and she actually forgot about them because they aren't used. Or maybe they have been there a shorter while and she thought she mentioned it in the training. Or, she may have made a conscious decision to not tell you. This last one wouldn't be an innocent reason, but giving her the benefit of the doubt and approaching it as suggested above, you establish the honest and open relationship everyone wants in a nanny relationship.

[Anonymous]

I'm an MB, and I think it's unfortunate that your family didn't tell you they have a camera. Is it working? I recommend talking frankly with the family about it - another poster had a good example.

I understand why families have cameras, and I'm not necessarily opposed to it, but I think it's wrong to film people without letting people know they are being filmed. Otherwise, it's an invasion of privacy. What if you were changing your clothes in that room & didn't realize there was a camera? Yuck.

I'm sorry this happened. I hope it works out and you can ask your employers to let you know if there are any other cameras, and maybe ask if they have any specific concerns that you can address (do they want updates during the day?).

For what it's worth, we have a camera pointed at the crib, but it only goes to the monitor & doesn't record - it is just for using the monitor, it's not sending a feed anywhere else. Is there any chance it's part of a set up like this?

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for your responses, they have added more than 2 cameras in the common areas. I have a feeling that they don't trust me perhaps. I don't think it even worth asking. Looking for a new job as we speak.