In August of 2006, a Scottish family began to seek legal advice claiming that the reality television series, Super Nanny, had distorted the image of their family in order to gain higher ratings for the television show. Super Nanny herself, the British Jo Frost, was called in by the Docherty family to help organize their household, put the family on a daily schedule, and help train their rowdy, out of control children. The episode, like many other episodes, featured the family’s three young boys who kick, swear, punch and spit at their parents. The parents were depicted in a similar fashion in the episode, revealing two out of control people who scream constantly and curse at each other and their young children. After the show aired, the family claims that their neighborhood and community began shunning them because the reality show had depicted them as a dysfunctional family. The parents claim, like several other parents who have called Jo Frost into their home, that the show was edited to make them look worse than they really were — which is a typical complaint of people who participate in any type of reality program. However, the Dochertys also admit that the family is functioning much better since Jo Frost departed their household. The lawsuit is likely to be tossed out before it reaches litigation.

Super Nanny is filmed both the UK and the US, and has made nanny extraordinaire Jo Frost a household name. Frost is a lifelong nanny who has worked for many wealthy families in the UK, and now can add “author” to her many credits, having recently published a book on child rearing. Originally a British reality show, Super Nanny first aired in the UK in 2004. Super Nanny remains an extremely popular show, drawing 3.1 million viewers to its premiere episode in 2006, though previous seasons drew nearly twice that amount.

The same premise is shown on both continents; the show features Jo Frost arriving at a household that is usually in complete disarray, with at least two children running wild and screaming and the parents at their wit’s end. Frost has become known for her catch phrases “You have been very, very naughty” and “This behavior is totally unacceptable”. While maintaining a strict, no nonsense demeanor, Frost uses encouragement and positivity as her core techniques. She assists the parents by helping them regain control in the household by using discipline techniques like the “naughty chair” for a highly effective time out period. At first, many parents insist that her techniques will probably not work with their horribly-behaved and ill tempered children, but by the end of the show, they are always true believers in the Frost school of discipline.

The cameras return a month after filming without Frost to determine if she had a long term effect on the family. The revisit shows a happy and connected family, all members smiling and telling the camera how much Jo Frost did for their family and for their own self respect. The once-horrid children usually say simply “I love JoJo” or “JoJo made me good” — and it takes a cynical person to disbelieve their sweet little faces and not smile at their decidedly non-naughty behavior.

By: Edward Charkow

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My grandmother could not sell her house or any of Pap’s belongings for many years after my grandfather died. She just wasn’t ready to let go of the memories they had shared. No one in our family pushed her even when she let his 1971 Datsun pickup truck sit in the yard until it literally rusted and dry rotted. It wouldn’t crank so no one could move it.

The neighborhood was going down in value and crime was increasing as renters took over the 50 year old homes. Then, one day Nanny came to my mother and said, “Doris, it’s time. I’m ready to sell and get out of this neighborhood. Pap isn’t coming back. He’s not in that house or his truck. He lives in my memories and I can take them with me no matter where I live.”

My mother lived next door. She and Dad had wanted to sell for years, but they waited for Nanny to make up her mind. Once they got the okay from Nanny, Mom and Dad put their house up for sale along with Nanny’s house and the vacant lot between them that we had used as a garden plot for nearly 30 years. All three properties sold within a month at a price much higher than they expected.

Then, they found the perfect one-story house that backs up to the lake for all three of them to live together, each having their privacy in a split bedroom floor plan. It all worked out so smoothly, even the closing of the loan (HA!) we knew it was divinely guided. Mom added a glassed-in porch a few years ago with windows that open to let in the fresh air. Nanny has a place to sit outside just like she used to in the old house.

Everyone is happy with the arrangement and my grandmother doesn’t have to live alone any more. She is 90 now and truly enjoying her life.

I visited my family over the Easter weekend. I know my grandmother is nearing the end of her life, but there are few lessons she has taught me.

Do what you want and don’t let others influence you to change your mind. Stand for what you believe in, even when it goes against popular opinion. Live each day to the fullest; give it all you’ve got and you can rest when it is over. Keep on going even when you feel you can’t. Life is a journey and each step counts. Love without expecting anything in return. Unconditional love is God working within us. Let others help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Be kind to the strangers your kids bring home. Let them eat at your table. Let others do as they please and do not judge them for having values different than your own.

My grandmother has had more influence that I thought. She is a remarkable woman. If you’ve ever met her, you would agree that she is at least a saint; more likely she’s an angel in human flesh!

By: Yvonne Perry

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As a good parent, your first priority is making sure that your children are safe at all times. There are many products on the market to help you attain this piece of mind, but few are as effective as nanny cameras. In this article I will explore the various types of nanny cameras and help the reader (you!) to make an educated decision when looking to buy one for yourself.

Isn’t it expensive to install a hidden nanny camera in my house? I am often asked this question and most people are pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is nowadays to purchase and install your own camera. While it might have cost you $500-$1,000 to purchase a high quality hidden nanny camera about 5 years ago, recent advancements in technology have made it possible for anyone to buy their own for between one and two hundred dollars!

Which type of nanny camera is best suited for me? This is another common question amongst home security enthusiasts. There are several key factors that you must consider:

1. Does your nanny camera need to be hidden? While hidden cameras are often very small and convenient, they sometimes lack the digital clarity of larger spy cameras that can be placed out in the open.

2. How will you watch the video feed from your nanny camera? Many cameras allow you to watch the video feed remotely via your personal computer or laptop up to several miles away! This can be exciting and convenient for the user but some people prefer to watch their nanny cam’s video feed on a television that is devoted to their spy camera.

3. Is it important to you that your nanny camera is wireless? Installing a wireless camera can be extremely convenient for many parents, but this type of hidden camera can also be slightly more expensive.

By: Santiago Gutierrez

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Both families and nannies should be aware of con artists that surf the many nanny personnel sites hoping to fool you into sending them money.

Many Americans have a difficult time balancing their jobs and their families. For this reason, many parents hire nannies to watch over and care for their kids. There are no worries over the nanny to child ratios, and nannies often come to live in your house at least arrive just as you leave your house for work. The problem here is finding an experienced and dependable nanny. No mother in her right mind is going to leave her child in the hands of a total stranger unless they can provide excellent references. In the last few years, several websites have been created to help bring nannies together with families in need of such services.

If you are in the market for a nanny, you simply register on the site as a family and then search their database for nannies that fit the conditions you specify such as age, sex, race, and skills. This is a great way for both nannies and families to convene, communicate, and develop a relationship that may or may not result in a job offer. This process does have its risks because of the possibility of fraud. In this article, we will attempt to reveal how this scam works both ways.

How nannies get conned

Scam artists register at these nanny matchmaker services masquerading as a family in search of a nanny. They will describe themselves as well-off and willing to pay a good salary in exchange for child care services. To close the deal and get the prospective nanny’s attention, they advance a generous amount of money in the form a money order or check. Right away, the scammer pretending to be a family will say that they sent too much money by mistake and request that a part of the advance be returned by Western Union, PayPal, or other electronic means. The idea here is that the original money order or check has not cleared the bank yet. If the nanny sends some of the money back, he or she has just been swindled by a classical money order scam.

Expert con artists know how to use need and desperation and turn it to their advantage. Many nannies are eager to take these jobs and being sent a huge amount is meant to let their guard down and make them think they have won the lottery. It is easy to see how many people fall for this scam. As the old adage goes: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” People do not send large sums of money to other people they do not know or trust. If this situation ever happens to you, think before you act. You may save yourself from being swindled.

How families get duped

Scam artists have conjured up techniques to rip off families in search of a nanny as well. What they do is register as a nanny with exemplary qualifications and references. Families will then contact them and begin to develop relationships via e-mail to get to know them on a personal level. These phony nannies will assure a family that they have all the required paperwork including a work VISA. The scam comes shortly after you have hired the nanny. You get a last minute request for funds to cover some unforeseen circumstance. It could be anything from travel tickets to a loved one sick in the hospital. You may feel you have talked with them for very long that you know them well enough to trust them. Think before you send any money. Scam artists can be very convincing and deceptive. NEVER send a stranger any money. You should also do your homework on the nanny by checking out those references early in the nanny screening process. If they seem suspicious to you, there are many other excellent nannies for you to choose.

There are many forms of internet fraud going on nowadays. It is up to you to educate yourself on what is or is not legitimate. Hopefully, our advice will minimize your chances of becoming a victim of the crime of theft by deception.

By: Fabiola Castillo

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Here’s a dichotomy when it comes to spy cameras: if you’re like most concerned parents, then you may want to purchase a nanny cam so that you can keep a close watch on your kids while you’re away. Of course, you want to grant them their independence and provide them with the faith in knowing that they can behave in a responsible way when left alone. At the same time, though, you still want that extra reassurance that everything is indeed alright and that they aren’t getting into too much trouble when you’re not there. So, buying and installing a hidden spy nanny cam seems like a logical thing to do.

However, here’s the part in which “Murphy’s Law” comes into effect: because children are naturally curious and inquisitive, they are probably more likely to find a well hidden micro spy nanny cam than anyone else in the house. Think about it: a tiny, pinhole sized camera which can be carefully hidden inside a potted plant, wall clock or desktop pen holder will inevitably be discovered by the people who you want to monitor in your absence – your children!

Now, there are smart and honest ways to introduce your children and kids to the idea of having a spy cam working inside the home. You should first clarify the difference between spying on your children and ensuring that their kept safe: one objective is intrusive (spying) and the other objective is defensive (safety). Your kids want to feel safe – all children inevitably do. On the other hand, though, your kids demand and deserve a certain amount of privacy. It’s up to you as responsible parents to migrate that line without crossing over on either side of it.

There are other ways to properly teach your children about why there’s a spy camera inside the home. Here are four tips and tricks that you can use when discussing nanny camera products with your kids:

1 – Don’t Lie

Children aren’t dumb, and they’re a lot more perceptive than you realize. Therefore, it just makes perfect sense to be completely honest with them about the reason that there is a spy cam in the house. Let them know that your intentions are for them to feel and be safe all the time – even when you’re not there. Older children may not appreciate this fact, but younger kids may end up going out of their way to ensure that they behave in a safe, responsible manner.

2 – Put The Spy Camera Where It Makes Sense

Never place a wireless spy nanny cam in locations that feature little privacy. And don’t place a nanny camera in locations where your kids won’t be comfortable (like a bathroom). You should place a spy camera in locations where your kids congregate and socialize when you’re away. Rooms such as the living room, playroom or even focusing on your backyard are perfect locations to use a nanny camera. And never, ever place a spy cam in your children’s bedroom without consulting them first.

3 – Safety First, Safety Always

Spy cams can be a great segue to introduce your children to the wonderful world of safety. You can teach them that having a nanny camera in the home equals safety, and that its primary purpose is to keep them safe. It’s important that you are able to differentiate between monitoring for safety and invading privacy. If you can make that distinction, then you’re in a better position to assist your children in doing the same.

4 – Keep It A Secret

Let your children know clearly that the internet IP spy cam in the home isn’t to be shared or shown to anyone. It isn’t a toy that should be touched, moved or played with. Tell your kids that the nanny cam isn’t there to spy – it’s there to protect. Therefore, it isn’t necessary for your children to be sharing secret spy cam information with friends, strangers – anyone for that matter.

Honesty is really the best policy when it comes to teaching your children and kids the rights and wrongs – and what to do and what to avoid – in regards to the home nanny camera. Get them involved, let them ask questions and answer them as honestly and as clearly as possible.

By: Manny J Manuel

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It was easy to spot a wireless hidden spy camera not too many years ago due to their large size, but today, this has become increasingly difficult in recent years. Cameras are much smaller and consume a fraction of the power that they did not too long ago. Because of this, hidden cameras can be installed in nearly any place you can imagine.

My husband and I had dinner at one of our local restaurants, after dinner we went to sit at the bar and have a night cap while watching one of the local bands playing a few numbers. Due to owning a store that sells surveillance equipment and hidden (nanny cams) cameras, I always look around to see if I can detect any spy cameras.

It did not take me long to locate one. Behind the bar where the liquor bottles are stored on the shelf, there it was, one of the liquor bottles had a very small hole in it.

In conversation with the bartender, I casually referred to and pointed out the bottle that had the spy camera. I also explained to the bartender that I was in the hidden surveillance camera business and was actually looking around the place for a wireless hidden spy camera.

The bartender, who happen to be one of the owners, asked me not to say anything to anyone. I assured him that as a professional in the surveillance business, his spy equipment will be kept secret.

Actually, in further conversion I learned that the owners of the restaurant were looking for additional wireless hidden spy camera equipment to put in other parts of the establishment. I even explained to him that surveillance equipment is dropping in price which makes the equipment very affordable. In fact, the average person can install and operated these cameras.

Hidden wireless cameras are nothing more than a board camera. A board camera is fully contained on a single circuit board including camera optics and all the electronics needed for generating the video signal. Board cameras are very easy to hide because of their tiny size. A video signal is sent to a receiver and is able to be watched right then and there or recorded for viewing sometime later.

New technology has come up with what is called a CMOS camera. There are cameras that can be handheld, photo capable cell phones and webcams, in fact, these cameras are less sensitive to electrical distortions and use less power. The draw back to the CMOS camera is that they are not as light sensitive which makes the image guality not as good under low light conditions.

The CMOS wireless hidden spy camera is what is placed in products such as the alarm clock hidden camera, wall clock hidden camera, and most anything else that is used around the house, business, or even the office. These cameras are so small that they can be hidden in more places than one could ever imagine.
You can go into any spy shop store and you will find surveillance cameras galore. All the surveillance and hidden cameras come in many sizes, shapes and specific specifications. If you do not know what you are looking for but do know what you want the surveillance for, it would be best to ask the store personnel for their advice.

For starters, I will tell you some of the most important things to look for when purchasing surveillance equipment. Before buying a spy camera, you should know the difference between a wired and a wireless system.

Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR, or monitor.

Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording or viewing device. A wireless system can transmit up to 1000 feet and a high powered wireless camera can transmit up to 2500 feet.

There are two kinds of lens for either the wired or wireless cameras. A Varifocal Lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied. This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens. Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature.

The other lens is a Fixed Focal Length Lens that can not zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low light situations.

If you do not know what you want or need, discuss with the shop employee what you are trying to accomplish. The employee should be able to recommend the number of cameras you will need and suggest where you can place those cameras. Do you want indoor and out door surveillance or just one or the other? Learn what a camera can do for you vs what you really need.

To protect you home, business, or personal stuff at your work place, you need a wireless hidden spy camera. If you believe something fishy is going on but you can not put your finger on it, you need a hidden camera to catch what you can not.

Millions of people are using a wireless hidden spy camera to check on their babysitters, to catch theft, even to catch abuse and infidelity. No other method can give you the proof or evidence that a surveillance camera can.

By: Marjorie LaPiere

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Spy cameras can be exceptionally helpful and beneficial when it comes to protecting your home, family and business. Designed to be both affordable and reliable, today’s modern nanny cams are also a wise purchase because they have become easier and simpler to use. In the early days of micro spy camera technology, you needed a Master’s Degree in order to figure out which wire goes with which connection. Now, I’m being silly with that last statement – however, spy cams were incredibly difficult to properly set up and use. Nowadays, nanny cameras for the house or office are manufactured with the user – that’s you – in mind. Literally within minutes of receiving your wireless nanny camera, you can have it up, running and recording.

But, just because spy cams are increasingly easier to use, that doesn’t mean that their self-setting and self-correcting. What that means is that, there are some best practices that you can follow in regards to wireless micro spy cameras. Now, first and foremost, you should always read the instruction manual that comes with your nanny camera. It will give you the nuts and bolts about how to assemble and connect it to your television set, computer or viewing monitor. However, if you want to really get the most from your spy camera, there are logical rules that you should follow and adhere to.

Now, these rules aren’t etched in stone and they shouldn’t be considered as canon. You have to truly and deeply evaluate the reasons that brought you to purchase your very own spy cam. You also have to have a real understanding about how, why, where, when and who you intend to focus your nanny cam directives on. Of course, these reasons will vary from people to people – and the reasons that you have will be different from someone else. However, even though the nature of owning and using a wireless spy cam are personal in nature, there are common best practices that you can follow to ensure that you effectively and properly get the absolute best from your nanny camera.

Here are some general guidelines that you can follow that can help you enjoy the security and peace of mind that spy cameras are designed to deliver:

i. RESEARCH THE LOCAL LAWS IN YOUR AREA

Do you know if you’re even allowed to have a spy cam where you live? Never assume your rights when it comes to nanny cam technology. Take a few moments and contact your local legal experts who can properly guide you on where, when and how you can use your spy camera. You’ll be surprised as to the reasons you can – and can’t – employ a spy cam. This only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a tremendous amount of time in terms of hassle and headaches.

ii. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO USE YOUR SPY CAMERA

If you know which room you plan to use your nanny camera, that’s great. But, your planning shouldn’t stop there. Take a strong look at each corner of the room where you intend to place your spy cam. High locations, low areas, walls, hidden corners, objects which can provide interference, power sources – all of these facets come into play when deciding where to place your spy camera. You should take as much time as necessary to get your room camera-ready. At the same time, hidden cameras are designed to be hidden. If you’re camera features an obvious design which lends itself to easy detection, then you really need to take the time to properly figure out where you’re going to place it within the room.

These are two simple things which many people accidentally forget about. Its understandable to be excited about having and owning your own hidden spy nanny cam. However, if you don’t take the time and really think about your spy camera, you’ll end up either being in violation of the law or you’ll end up undermining the capabilities of your wireless nanny camera. You’ve probably taken the time to research which camera you’re going to purchase and buy. You should also take the time and know that you can indeed, get the most from your spy camera.

By: Manny J Manuel

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Like most parents, you may need to hire a babysitter for at least one holiday gathering or party this season. Some parents will have many nights that they will need a sitter. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems like all the good babysitters already have plans.

Here are top five tips for getting a great sitter this season.

1. Start planning early. The earlier you call a sitter, the more likely they are to still have open days on their calendar. Even before Thanksgiving, many babysitters start filling their holiday calendars. New Year’s Eve may seem a long way off, but you would be surprised at how many babysitters already have the night reserved.

2. Offer to swap kids. Call another parent and see if they can watch your kids for your party and in return you can watch theirs when they need a night out. Not only will it save you money, but it may also give your kids a needed play date while you are out.

3. Have a backup plan. If your sitter gets the flu, you will need a backup. Make sure you have alternatives in a pinch.

4. Develop the reputation for paying babysitters well. If you pay well enough, a sitter will keep those dates open for your family anytime.

5. Try the internet. If you can’t find an available sitter, try a internet matchmaking service that matches parents to potential sitters. They usually have a large list of local sitters with rave reviews and will provide you with that list and background checks for less than the price of a night out!

Don’t let the time get past you. Follow these tips and ease the stress of the holidays with a great babysitter.

By: Beth Howland

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Finding a babysitter online may be a challenging task for a parent or guardian. Considering the amounts of crimes that occur involving children, our main goal as parents and guardians is to discover someone that is considered trustworthy. It is also our goal to select a babysitter that is dependable and offers quality service. It is important to consider your needs. This will be extremely beneficial in finding that special someone to watch over your children when you are unable to. Here, I will highlight 5 vital tips to finding a babysitter online.

1) The first area that should be considered is if you require the individual to be a male or a female. While dominantly a female oriented career, many males have started to gain an interest in caring for the children of others. While many do not mind one way or another, it is essential to have a preference. Once you have made that choice, it will be easier to narrow down your search for a babysitter online.

2) When finding a babysitter online, it is important to create interview questions. The set of questions that you develop should be based on the needs that you have. Pay special attention to the answers that are provided to you during the actual interview process. It does not matter if you hire a babysitter from your local community or the internet; the interview is an essential component to find that perfect person for your needs.

3) It is imperative that you conduct a background search on the individuals that you find to be most appealing to the position. You should avoid hiring individuals that have been convicted of certain crimes. Situations such as battery, assault, and theft may show up in a background check. If they do, it is important to avoid hiring that individual as something could happen to you or your children while in direct contact with this individual. While this step may seem obvious there are a number of parents who have overlooked it with devastating results.

4) Experience is a vital element when it comes to finding a babysitter online. Be sure to evaluate the resume of the applicant for any experience that is relevant to caring for others – specifically, children. You should make it mandatory for applicants to provide you with a list of both professional and personal references. You should contact those referrals in order to determine their work ethic.

5) If you have a child that has some sort of special need, it is essential to choose a babysitter that may assist that child appropriately. When finding a babysitter online, you will find that you likely have many more specialty sitters to choose from than what you would find in your local community.

By: Bethany Jordin

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When I had my first child, I really felt guilty when I called a babysitter. I felt like I should have been home with her, but I learned quickly with my second child why good moms get babysitters.

My second child had severe colic. She screamed from four in the afternoon until one in the morning. Non-stop screaming…despite any baby wearing, breastfeeding and food adjustments that I made.

Finally, in an effort to restore my sanity, we hired a babysitter. Actually, we hired TWO. One sitter to handle the screaming baby and one was to tend to my other child. (I really didn’t think I should put the pressure of such a difficult child on just one person.)

What happened? I had time to relax. I had time to have a conversation with my husband. I was refreshed and come back a better mom.

After a while, our babysitters moved away and we lost those nights away. Fortunately, with the internet, now we can even get help finding a sitter online. Sites like Sittercity help you locate great local babysitters so you don’t have to give up your date nights ever again.

I have never again doubted myself for hiring a babysitter. Moms in today’s society have the opportunity to “do it all,” but we really do not have to do it alone. There are other people out there who would be happy to give us a break and give your children a fresh and fun face for a few hours.

Sometimes, a good babysitter can do wonders…even make you a better mom.

By: Beth Howland

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