Peeping Tom. Creepy. Why don't they raise their own kids?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here-I have read Protecting the Gift-I will have to pull it back out for the question portion! Thanks for the reminder. To the PP-what cameras do you have and do you recommend them?

Also, is it better to tell the nanny about the camera or not to tell? I would think if you did tell they would be less likely to do anything sketchy even once, which is better for your child. I am not sure here.

All the nannies will say they want to know, and sometimes say they won't work in a house that has cameras. I think it doesn't mean they're less likely to do anything sketchy, just that they're more careful to confine their abuse to outside the home or in the bathroom or places they assume there are no watching eyes.

This is extremely offensive. I am a nanny who wouldn't accept a job with cameras and it's certainly not because I mistreat my charges. I wouldn't be comfortable being watched and if I'm uncomfortable I'm not going to be at my best. It's a personal preference, not an indicator that I'm going to ever harm a child.

Okay. ??? So fine. You do what makes you comfortable, and I'll have cameras because it's what makes me comfortable having a nanny.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here-I have read Protecting the Gift-I will have to pull it back out for the question portion! Thanks for the reminder. To the PP-what cameras do you have and do you recommend them?

Also, is it better to tell the nanny about the camera or not to tell? I would think if you did tell they would be less likely to do anything sketchy even once, which is better for your child. I am not sure here.

All the nannies will say they want to know, and sometimes say they won't work in a house that has cameras. I think it doesn't mean they're less likely to do anything sketchy, just that they're more careful to confine their abuse to outside the home or in the bathroom or places they assume there are no watching eyes.

This is extremely offensive. I am a nanny who wouldn't accept a job with cameras and it's certainly not because I mistreat my charges. I wouldn't be comfortable being watched and if I'm uncomfortable I'm not going to be at my best. It's a personal preference, not an indicator that I'm going to ever harm a child.

As far as the cameras go, we have them. When interviewed nannies I told all the candidates that we have them. Every single one told me they are totally fine with them.

We have the Logitech Alert cameras. They are pretty easy to set up, you can add up to 6 cameras and you can view them remotely with a computer or with a free app on your phone.

Make it clear to all candidates you interview that you reserve the right to use a nanny cam at any time for any reason. If candidates are not willing to accept that, they can tell you thanks for interviewing them, and good luck with your search.

Then, once you hire someone, make sure the nanny cam clause, as stated above, is in the contract that you both sign. After that, cam as you wish, when and where you wish. Make sure to follow any local/state recording laws.

The best advise I can give, as a nanny, is to follow your gut. You obviously want someone experienced with great references, but you also want someone that YOU feel comfortable with. I have great relationships with my past families because the parents and I got along very well together. Also keep in mind that your nanny will have the older child over the summer as well. Best of luck!

Anonymous wrote:OP here-I have read Protecting the Gift-I will have to pull it back out for the question portion! Thanks for the reminder. To the PP-what cameras do you have and do you recommend them?

Also, is it better to tell the nanny about the camera or not to tell? I would think if you did tell they would be less likely to do anything sketchy even once, which is better for your child. I am not sure here.

All the nannies will say they want to know, and sometimes say they won't work in a house that has cameras. I think it doesn't mean they're less likely to do anything sketchy, just that they're more careful to confine their abuse to outside the home or in the bathroom or places they assume there are no watching eyes.

OP here-I have read Protecting the Gift-I will have to pull it back out for the question portion! Thanks for the reminder. To the PP-what cameras do you have and do you recommend them?

Also, is it better to tell the nanny about the camera or not to tell? I would think if you did tell they would be less likely to do anything sketchy even once, which is better for your child. I am not sure here.

I interviewed about a dozen, and had working interviews (paid) with three. I picked the one that on first glance I internally said "no way" to.

We have nanny cams - in the baby's bedroom, and in the playroom/den/kitchen area. The person we hired does not know, and I feel zero guilt about it.

suggest you read Gavin deBecker's Protecting the Gift: Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane)

http://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Gift-Keeping-Children-Teenagers/dp/0440509009

it has great parts on how to hire and interview for childcare.

DO BACKGROUND CHECKS. Follow your gut if "something" is telling you there is an issue.

I advertised on Care.com got some nutcases, some unrealistic expectations (no experience 18 year old in a rurual area wanting 20+ an hour) but ended up with a LT nanny who is pure gold.

Devote lots of time to the refs.
Listen to them.
Listen to the nannies.

We have been responding to posts on a mom's listserv I am on and I repsonded to one ad here on DCUM. We are in Checvy Chase, MD.

Where are you located???

How are you finding your candidates?

My DH and I have always done the daycare route. We pulled our toddler DS out of daycare due to constant illness. We are looking for full time care for him and occasionally his brother (age 6) in the afternoon for a little over an hour when he gets home from the bus and on school holidays. We are offering a competitive benefits package and rate. I have 4 interviews set up so far. How many interviews do parents typically go through? Any tips or red flags I should be looking for?

Also, because we are used to a great deal of oversight with the daycare system I am nervous about my son being alone with someone I don't know yet. I was thinking of getting a nannycam, but of course telling the nanny before hand. I want to have an open, honest and close relationship with this person. At the beginning I will not know them and it just makes me nervous. Do families have experience about nanny cams they recommend or how this worked?

Any other thoughts for this newbie are appreciated