Hiring a Sitter/Helper (child care, baby, toddler, daughter)

[MJJersey]

I just have two questions on hiring a sitter/helper for my toddler:

1) Do you think it is unreasonable to have the sitter/helper sign an agreement?

2) Do you use a "nannycam" to keep an eye on a sitter when you are not at home?

[Penguin_ie]

1. No that makes sense, so both parties know what is expected.
2. I do not, but we use a good friend as a babysitter the rare times we do go out. I petsit and I know some of my clients use nanny cams. I see nothing wrong with it.

[beachmel]

In response to your first question... Yes, that makes sense, having a written "contract" or agreement. As for your second question....Why would you hire someone to watch your child, that you can not trust?

Ask yourself this question...If YOU answered an ad and were hired to babysit someone's child, how would YOU feel if they had hidden cameras in the house. How would you feel, knowing that someone had been taping you and watching your every move? How would you feel, if you didn't know these things...you were in the bathroom, the baby climbed out of the crib and hit the floor....and THEN you found out about the hidden cameras. What could that possibly do to someone?

I get it...I do. I understand your fears...and in light of the fact that you occasionally hear of horrible acts committed by "caregivers", who can blame you for considering such a move! At the same time though...the fact that people are being spied upon...constantly, by one camera or anothers...just kind of creeps me out!

[Mattie]

I don't think asking a sitter to sign an agreement is unreasonable, although the agreement itself could be. What exactly are you looking to include?

As far as the nanny cam's, at one point I thought they were terribly intrusive. However, in light of how often they have uncovered bad behavior by sitters, I'm don't feel as strongly anymore. I do think the sitter should be aware that they are in use. Should there be any inclination to do anything foul, better to stop it before it happens.

[Jerseyt719]

My daughter nannies and she was made aware that there are nanny cams. Not a big deal. I think if you tell the caregiver up front, there is no problem. It's a problem if they are unaware.

The contract is another thing. What would you put in it?

[beachmel]

I agree with the above posters, about the nanny cams. If the sitter knows there are cameras, and is fine with it, i don't see the problem.

[germaine2626]

I'm a grandmother who occasionally does date night child care. I do not do anything that I am embarrassed to be seen doing by others so I am not afraid to think that there may be nanny cams in the house.

However, I do worry a tiny bit about someone taking something out of context or "cut and pasting" a video to give the impression of wrong doing where none occurred. I know that it is very unlikely but it is still a little concern of mine.

[Natsku]

An agreement sounds reasonable and probably sensible. A nanny cam seems a bit weird to me but if the sitter is aware then I don't see anything wrong with it.

[golfgal]

Put it this way, how would you feel if your employer put a "worker cam" in your office?

[rezfreak]

I find the concept of nanny cams kinda absurd. If you have to put them in, then why have someone watch your child if you dont trust them?

What on earth would you put in a contract anyhow?