Nanny Cams: Do or Don't?

Allowing anyone to work in your home is a very personal decision, as it is such an intimate setting. Combine that with entrusting this individual to care for your children, and you'll commonly encounter some "parent paranoia." Completely understood! But before you run out and purchase the latest "nanny cam", just what are they? "A Nanny Cam, or Nanny Camera, is a hidden video camera that has been secretly installed within a common household object. A nanny cam is usually used to secretly monitor and record the activities of home caregivers, hence the name "Nanny Cam" although it has its usefulness to overtly or covertly record any activity. The receiver can be connected to a VCR or DVR recording device or can be a portable receiver-screen which can be carried room to room by parents to keep an eye on their children. Nanny Cameras can even be hooked up to an Internet broadband connection for remote viewing while at work or in vacation" (http://bit.ly/a1zvRC). Now, we have our opinions on both sides of the argument, but consider these points as food for thought and let us know what you think:

• It is indeed legal in all 50 states to use a hidden camera. However, it is ILLEGAL to record speech without a person's consent in the following 15 states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington (http://bit.ly/aGZThT)
• Many caregivers are very put off by families using nanny cams without telling them first. It does not necessarily mean they are doing anything to give a cause for concern, but many feel that it shows a lack of trust for the person who you are supposedly "trusting" to care for your child.
• A good way to test your babysitter? Just ask them their opinion on nanny cams! Many won't mind, many will, but it's always good to understand where they are coming from. Additionally, asking doesn't mean you have to install a nanny cam. The idea of it many prevent abuse and show just how serious you are about the job.
• If you are suspicious, there are other options than the nanny cam. Perhaps it's a good idea to randomly "drop in" during the day, or have a neighbor do the same. Also, take notice of how your nanny interacts with your child. If your child is ecstatic every time the nanny arrives, it's a safe bet that your child is in good care. The same test isn't necessarily true of an opposite reaction: you may just have a child who prefers his/her parents.
• Utilize the web. Sites such as http://howsmynanny.com/ and http://isawyournanny.blogspot.com/ are a great way for parents in the community to contribute feedback on behavior they see--positive or negative.

No matter what method you choose, every parent has the right to feel protective of their child and want only the best care. Always perform a thorough background check regardless of who "referred" your nanny to your family as an extra cautionary step. Make sure that your nanny is not overworked and tired, as that is an easy way for anyone to lose their patience and perhaps have a lapse in judgment. If you are ever unsure whether to report your nanny to the police, read http://bit.ly/cpcSQE. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and so if the relationship is constantly in question then it is probably best to go your separate ways.

Personal Security Forum

When we received an invitation for a personal security forum on June 10, Caitlin jumped at the opportunity to go as personal security is one of our primary concerns as a domestic staffing agency. HUB International, an insurance/risk management/wealth management firm, was the host and they have always set themselves aside in their industry for taking such extraordinary steps to educate their clientele on protecting themselves and their assets. We regularly receive such emails and would not turn down an opportunity to learn more, especially from HUB International.


Mike Guidry of The Guidry Group and Dr. Thomas Hargrove were the guest speakers, and could not have been better choices to present on Hostages, Kidnapping, Ransom, & Extortion. Dr. Hargrove was a kidnapping survivor himself, having been held hostage for 11 months by Colombian Narco-guerrillas of FARC, which is the most dangerous terrorist and drug organization in Latin America. Mike Guidry is a security expert and the President of The Guidry Group, a security company geared towards protecting, consulting, and training both corporate and individual clients throughout the world. 


In addition to normal preventative measures one might normally take, such as carrying travelers checks and wearing special clothing to disguise passports and credit cards, Mr. Guidry and Dr. Hargrove enlightened us with ways we may never have realized we were making ourselves targets. 


For one, when you arrive in your destination city: DO NOT have your driver or car service list your name and/or company on a sign waiting for you. This is just an alert letting terrorists know that you are in town, and is an easy way to make your identity even more publicly accessible.


Second, DO NOT attempt to go in unfamiliar territory. Simply put: do not take the scenic route and always stay with a group if possible. Do not walk in isolated places at night, even if you are in a group.


Look into K&R insurance for yourself and your family- but don't broadcast that you have it. This too will make you more of a target.


Thanks to HUB International, Mike Guidry of The Guidry Group, & Dr. Thomas Hargrove for an interesting and informative presentation. If you would like contacts regarding K&R insurance or others from HUB, feel free to email us and we'll be happy to put you in touch.