Please be VERY careful when employing a nanny

I'm sorry that your family had to go through that Charnenay - I honestly believe that the only way you can be 100% sure what is happening to your kids is if you are with them ALL the time (unfortunately not a reality) I've heard horrendous stories about nannys/creches and even family members who babysit...the point is that you have to make a decision based on what you feel is best and what you feel you are most comfortable with. Think about all those children that were abused by priests, those schoolkids whose teachers solicited sex for better grades. A lady in my sisters churchs son was diagnosed as HIV positive a year ago and noone knows how he got it (all family have tested negative and hes never had a transfusion, so now they think its probably a contaminated needle from immunisation) he is 5.

As for locking your child in the house - not a good idea from a fire point of veiw (I even hate seeing typical SA houses with spanish guards on all windows and trellidors everywhere for fire safety reasons). If you are really worried install alarm beams in the garden and when activate those when you go out. If anyone passes by the alarm company will let you know:)

Ladybird, I am glad you asked because I was wondering the same thing.

Wildcat, hope you still checking this thread. Please, please reconsider locking your nanny and baby inside your house. I know it could seem like a good idea, but it has its own implications. Accidents happen so quickly and in an emergency, they would really need to be able to get outdoors to safety. My advice and concern is well meant (as I'm sure Ladybirds is also), so hope you don't take offence.

Wildcat, I am very disturbed by your one comment. Please forgive me if I have understood this incorrectly, but did you say that you basically lock your nanny and your child up in a flat the whole day?

My very first concern if this is true, is the safety of both your nanny and your child. What if there were a fire while you are out? What if there was a leak from the roof? Surely this violates the labour laws which require that you provide a safe, unthreatening environment for your employees? Please tell me I am reading this wrong, the very idea is freaking me out.

Beatrice he is based on teh Westrand, but services the whole of Gauteng, Pta and even the Freestate.

Cool, where is he based EP?

Speaking of Nannycams, my husband does it - and he can make it hidden so your nanny won't know it's there. Or you can tell her, whichever you prefer.

You can contact him leonard.securix@gmail.com

I think the beauty of a nanny cam is to see what people do when thier guard is down.

I (hope) that Pepe is the same when I am at home to when I am not, but the reality is she is human, and if she is anything like me she will be on forums, and facebook and updating her blog instead of working.

Now odds are I am not going to do that when I know my employer/supervisor is watching me.

I guess the same can be said for any employee - nannies included - I am sure she will take shortcuts when I am not there. I am sure she kicks her feet up with her cheese sandwich and catches a bit of Days of our Lives when I am not there.

You know I am fine with that, as long as that is the extent of what she is doing.

I think all employees like all humans will find the shortest/laziest way to do something - which clearly they will not do if you are standing behind them.

I personally would go with a nanny cam (if I could afford it) for peace of mind. Even if I trusted my nanny completely - which I do.

But human nature is human nature, and we all need a policeman standing behind us sometimes.