Archive for July 22nd, 2010



Hidden cameras are concealed in everyday items. Hidden cameras are used in offices to supervise employees, parents wanting to keep an eye on the nanny or their teenager. Unlike security cameras they are meant to be concealed therefore are an excellent way to keep track of things without anyone being the wiser.

Hidden cameras are also sometimes used in reality television to catch participants in unusual or absurd situations. Hidden cameras are incredibly reliable to help catch someone in the act of a crime or theft. Hidden cameras are used by many different law enforcement agencies, but those hidden cameras differ in the fact that they can have sound. Usually they need sound for a sting operation.

Hidden cameras are small enough to be undetectable by someone not aware. Hidden Cameras are bought to keep watch over a place that is out of the line of vision. For example, hidden cameras are often made to look like clocks, computer speakers, smoke detectors and even toys. Just look at all the different hidden cameras we have to offer.

Small wireless hidden cameras are changing the way we can implement video surveillance. Small wireless hidden cameras are an extremely innovative technology. Our wireless or wired hidden cameras are great for home use in grounds surveillance and even as Nanny Cameras.

As I stated before hidden cameras can’t have sound unless you are in law enforcement but there are recorders that can digitally record sound. We have ones that can record a room conversation for 136 hours. There are other options like phone recorders if you are concerned to whom you’re teen or spouse is talking to. For the most part you don’t need sound because a picture can say it all.

Hidden video cams may cost from $100 to $400, depending on their fabrication and functions. Hidden cameras come in many different kinds of sizes and price ranges. With hidden cameras no one will ever suspect a toy or other available disguised camera. They are a complete self-contained video system.

Uses

Nanny cams help parent leave their child with a stranger until they get to know the babysitter or nanny better. Although most parents go through a thorough selection process for their child’s babysitter or nanny they still have an uneasy feel about entrusting their children’s lives with some stranger. If I only had a wireless nanny cam, I wouldn’t be wondering what’s happening to my child. A mother or father of a young baby always knows the importance to have a sense of security in knowing what their nanny is doing while they are not at home. A hidden security camera provides relief and the watchful eyes that will supply the answers to any questions that you may have about your nanny or anyone in your home. Many daycare centers have cameras installed for insurance reasons.

Teenager cams are becoming popular. You teenager is hanging out with different friends, whispering on the phone, and locking him/herself in their bedroom. My suggestion is our smoke detector or clock cam because a stuffed animal cam may be a bit conspicuous. Most teenagers go through a period of being secretive but it could signal possible behavior like drugs, alcohol or other illegal behavior. It’s good to be sure and deal with it before it becomes a huge problem.

Employee cams are a must for most businesses, especially if there is an indication of employee theft. Security cameras usually do the trick but if there are areas that don’t have security cameras or the employees know how to dodge them then you may have to resort to hidden cams. Hey it’s your livelihood, protect it.

In conclusion, hidden cameras are not the devil’s instrument; they are a tool for parents, employers, and even spouses to make sure that they aren’t being victimized.

By: Jeanette Edwards

About the Author:
Jeanette Edwards is the owner of Thrifties [http://www.thrifties.com] An online site for tips on saving money and thrift shopping. She also owns 4defense [http://www.4defense.com] an e-tail site which sells personal self defense items as well as 4spys [http://www.4spys.com] which is a home security e-tail site. Her husband Bob is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has a blog called Semipolitical.com. Feel free to use this article, the only requirement is that you leave the links to the sites intact.

Copyright 2007





Ten top tips when interviewing your nanny.

1. Use a reputable nanny agency – make sure they do check written and verbal references and that they can give you the contact numbers so that you can speak to the previous employer.

2. Check if your nanny is in debt – ask her if she has any clothing accounts e.g. Edgars and how much does she owe? You don’t want to hire a nanny that starts asking for loans as soon as the contract is signed.

3. Pick a nanny that has a stable family background and relationship.

4. Check if the nanny is hygiene conscious – does she think of washing her hands before she holds the baby?

5. Find out how healthy she is but do expect that at least once a month one of you will be sick – nanny, you or baby, this is normal. Factor that into your work schedule and make sure you do have back up options if needed. Please note that it is illegal to ask her for her HIV status. Have a read through our HIV and TB FAQ’s.

6. Test her reading and writing – ask her to take a message and get someone to call during the interview. This will also test how well she responds to instructions.

7. Find out if she has young children – if they are under three years old, what type of support system does she have in place if they are sick?

8. Don’t judge a nanny purely on age and training but rather on personality – at the end of the day you will probably hire someone based on their personality/character and how they relate to your family rather than their impressive skills on paper. You can always train someone to do it your way. You can’t train a bad attitude.

9. Insist on a trial period – an agency cannot guarantee how a nanny interacts with your children. Yes they can check to make sure that they are reliable and trustworthy but every mother has different expectations and an agency can only try and match accordingly. The trial is the real interview.

10. Before hiring your nanny, seal the deal by insisting that the nanny gets a police clearance from the police station. Please pay for this as it is a big expense for the nanny if she is not working. Also ask them to go for a free TB test at their nearest government medical clinic. TB is a worse household predator than HIV.

There is no such thing as the perfect nanny.

Qualities to look for are a good attitude, honesty, reliability, shows initiative and a willingness to communicate and do the tasks the mother’s way. Skills can always be taught. Remember to trust your gut instinct when making your choice.

The right nanny will love your child and will have your child’s best interest at heart. They are looking after your most precious possession – your child, so it is worth looking after her, treating her with respect, showing or expressing your appreciation and remembering to say thank you even when they are just doing their job!

By: Karin Thomsen

About the Author:
About the Author:

Karin Thomsen is co founder and trainer of Super Nannies SA. She started training nannies when she was a single mother. Super Nannies is a nanny training and domestic placement agency which also provides First Aid courses for parents too.

Karin hired and trained her nanny and realized the importance of trained help whilst having to work and support her family. Over the course of five years she has trained over 490 nannies. “I believe that we are privileged in this country to have the abundance of choice in domestic help at such a reasonable cost to the family” Karin is an avid trainer with a 15 year background in marketing, teaching and corporate facilitation as well as domestic training and placements. She has two young children and loves to write.

http://www.supernannies.co.za
info@supernannies.co.za





This week’s family movie pick: Nanny McPhee. I give it Three scoops.

My Ice Cream Scoop Rating Chart:
1 scoop = Go do something else with your family.
2 scoops = If you have to see it okay.
3 scoops = This movie is worth watching.
4 scoops = Make time to view this movie.

Movie Title: Nanny McPhee. Children-Magical. Rated PG. (But personally, I think it’s pretty mild.) Based on the “Nurse Matilda” books by Christianna Brand. The story takes place in England. But not in modern times. Poor widower Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) has a problem. His children won’t behave. He has gone through so many nannies, is there any left in England to take care of his children?

In comes Nanny McPhee a no-nonsense nanny who makes it her mission to sets things right in Mr. Brown’s household. Where other nannies have feared to trend Nanny McPhee bravery leaps in. The Brown children suddenly start behaving. Little does Mr. Brown know it but a small dose of magic is behind it all. Though impressed by his new nanny’s persuasive powers, Mr. Brown has other pressing matters on his mind. His rich aunt (great job done by Angela Lansbury) wants him to marry again. He won’t get a penny if he doesn’t marry by a certain deadline. But who will marry him with so many kids? Watch and see. My favorite part in the movie is when Angela Lansbury’s character, who can’t see very well, talks to a donkey with a hat on thinking it’s a young girl. Vibrant colors are used throughout the movie making it both childlike and surreal. Your children should enjoy the amusing pranks of the Brown children.

By: Jay Marie P

About the Author:
Jay Marie is the owner of a site where you can find valuable information on what the internet has to offer. From programs to Help Families to Movie Deals Look for Discounts, Coupons and Free Trials on the site.





Today, many mothers are receiving the assistance they require when they hire a nanny with online nanny services. Being a working mom, you need to keep your employment and you need to stay healthy to maintain your peace of mind so that you can be there for your family. A nanny can help make your life less stressful by helping with childcare and household tasks.

Advantages of Hiring a Nanny

Keep your kids entertained: Nannies can bring your kids outside to play, go to play dates, the park, and the library. When you hire a nanny, she can offer your kids creative ideas and activities, trips, outings, and more.

Household chores: This can include laundry, picking up after the kids, and standard housekeeping/tidiness.

Meals: A nanny can cook fresh meals for your kids! Letting your children to stay home with a babysitter or nanny provides a lot of one-on-one attention and provides more freedom for you as the mother. Rather than rushing to pick your child up from daycare and get dinner on the table, you can return home to a child that has already been fed and bathed.

Health: Having a child in daycare can expose him/her to more colds and/or other sicknesses and viruses that come with being in the presence of a lot of kids. Nanny Services may help you keep your children healthier.

Chores: many working mothers take advantage of the nanny’s time with the children to free up their own time to run some errands without the children. This way, many things can get done more quickly.

Babysitting: Another advantage of a nanny is that he or she already knows your children well. When you hire a nanny, she or he can work an extra day of the week if needed and this is many time much simpler than finding a baby sitter whom the kids may not be familiar with. Nanny Services can therefore be advantageous in many ways.

Before you Hire a Nanny

Before you hire a nanny you need to have a good idea of what you are looking for in the ideal candidate and in the ideal nanny services. You will want to include these items in your caregiver contract, also called a work agreement, in the hiring process.

Are you looking for full time or part time care? Would you prefer a live in or live out nanny?What chores and tasks will you require of your nanny services? Will the caregiver provide just childcare or will she also provide housekeeping support?

How much can you afford to pay your nanny? Are you willing to hire a nanny and provide vacation time and other benefits including sick days?

What experience and qualities are you looking for in a nanny? Think about whether you would be ok to compromise education for someone that is loving and nurturing for instance. A nanny service can help you hire a nanny that meets your detailed requirements.

What sort of skills, knowledge and experience are you looking for? Should your nanny be CPR certified and have an early childhood education background?

Also, you should look at the perfect candidate’s life circumstances. Interviewing is critical when you hire a nanny. Ask her if she does have children, how old are they, is he/she single or married and settled down in the neighborhood.

Knowing these points before you hire a nanny should help you narrow down your nanny search to find the best candidate a lot faster.

By: Maria Trostel

About the Author:
Are you looking to hire a nanny? Get more information on how to hire a nanny safely online at http://www.nannypro.com.





Every parent’s concern about the nanny camera is this – how will my kids feel about it? Making the nanny camera work for your household will depend on how you address this issue. Here are a few tips:

Tell Them Why There Is a Nanny Camera At Home

You can always tell little Aimee that a nanny camera lets you know that she is safe, if she is being a good girl, or if the babysitter is taking care of her or not. Children tend to value things when they know what they are for. Your older children may not feel good about the nanny cameras at home because they might think that you are spying on them. Again, it is important for you to let your older children understand that these nanny cameras are there to keep them safe.

Pick Appropriate Spots

Don’t put your nanny cameras in places which call for a little privacy. For sure, your kids wouldn’t want a nanny camera in the bathroom. Some of you might feel that a nanny camera should be placed in the kids’ bedroom. Younger children may like the idea, but older kids may not. Your 16-year-old son might be disappointed because he might think that you’re being too intrusive.

If you really insist in putting a nanny camera in your teenage son’s room, you have to make him understand why. In any event, you can always put your nanny cameras in the living room, in the dining room, in the study room, in your kid’s playroom, or in the porch.

Let Your Kids Associate The Nanny Camera With Safety

This is what your children should really learn – if there are nanny cameras at home, they are safe. Parents should tell their kids that the nanny camera is not a toy, nor decoration. In the same way, parents should teach their teenage children that the nanny camera is not an intrusion on their private lives.

It is vital for your kids to relate the nanny camera with safety. This way, it would make them want to be around the nanny camera even more. Telling your kids that it makes you happy knowing that they are safe or being good makes them want to be seen in the nanny camera all the time.

Tell Your Kids That The Nanny Camera Is “For Your Eyes Only”

Please tell your kids that strangers will not be able to put their hands on the nanny camera, that only your family has access to it. Assure them that the system that controls the nanny camera is maintained by very good people working everyday to keep the system safer and more secure.

These are just some ways for parents to educate their kids about nanny cameras. The whole process calls for a lot of patience and communication. But in the end, you would certainly reap the benefits and have your peace of mind when your kids understand why there is a nanny camera at home.

By: Nahshon Roberts

About the Author:
If you’re interested in a nanny camera, just go to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com for more articles on how to use the Linksys WVC200 in digital video surveillance systems.