Mom Puts Up Baby Monitors Without Telling Babysitter, Sparks Anger Upon Discovery

"She asked why we would hire her if we clearly didn't trust her."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• September 8, 2023

Hiring a babysitter is always a weighty decision for any parent. As guardians, the safety and well-being of our children are our foremost concerns.

Such was the perspective of OP, a conscientious mother, who recently entrusted her friend's 20-year-old daughter with the responsibility of caring for her 3-year-old son while she and her husband celebrated their anniversary out of town.

While OP had unwavering trust in her friend and her daughter, she was also driven by the imperative to ensure the safety of her non-verbal child. To address this concern, OP decided to install baby monitors throughout her home, strategically positioned in her son's room and the living room/kitchen area.

The motive behind this decision was unequivocal: to maintain a comprehensive record in the event of any unforeseen incidents during their absence. The getaway proceeded without a hitch, and the babysitter proved to be exceptional, as attested by OP during her regular check-ins.

However, upon their return, the discussion of the baby monitors with the babysitter unexpectedly ignited a confrontation. The babysitter felt her privacy had been breached, casting doubt on why she had been entrusted with the responsibility of such a significant level of trust was lacking.

In hindsight, OP finds herself questioning whether she mishandled the situation, sparking a debate that underscores the delicate balance between privacy and child safety in childcare arrangements.

OP hired her friend's 20-year-old daughter to babysit her 3-year-old son during their anniversary trip, OP also set up baby monitors for added safety due to her son's communication limitations.

Following their return from the trip, OP brought up the topic of baby monitors with the nanny, which led to a contentious issue. Both the nanny and her mother became upset, viewing it as a violation of their privacy.

The issue isn't the cameras but the surprise of being watched.

Cameras were okay, but not informing her was wrong

OP is in the wrong here for not informing her and allowing her to decide if she was okay with it.

Setting up cameras without her knowledge is likely unethical and potentially illegal.

Considering that the cameras were hidden from view, her concern is justified that they may have been placed in inappropriate locations such as the restroom or bedroom.

OP's and her husband's actions are quite unsettling

OP is in the wrong for not informing her about the presence of cameras

If OP genuinely trusts her, there shouldn't have been any issue with disclosing the presence of cameras.

Surveillance cameras are common in workplaces and homes, but it's essential to inform individuals when they are being monitored to show respect and maintain trust.

OP owes them a genuine apology.

The baby monitors helped OP keep an eye on her son from far away. But OP should have talked to the babysitter about using the monitors before they left.

OP's decision to install baby monitors without informing her babysitter raises significant ethical and legal concerns. While the intent behind her actions was undoubtedly to safeguard her child, the lack of communication with the babysitter about the presence of these devices created a breach of trust and privacy.

Damjan