If your 5 year old wanted a camera in their room, would you get one?

Question

5 and a half year old recently requested a security camera in her room as she sees the baby have a baby monitor. We also have security cameras around the outside of the home.
The other night she woke up screaming so I woke up husband and we ran into her room, she said she had a bad dream but then said she “saw something” at the foot of her bed by the window. She demanded us to check the security cameras outside - nothing. We tried to calm her back to sleep and before going to bed she said she wants a camera for her room.
Husband says it’s a good idea for her peace of mind - but I worry, isn’t she old enough to want her privacy? I don’t want to become a “helicopter” parent... should we get one and then try to take it away eventually or wait until she asks? I don’t want her feeling like she needs a camera to feel safe from nightmares.

Answer

Honestly, no. I wouldn't want to start the mindset early that you need all this kind of equipment to feel safe, who knows what she might request next and when she will actually feel comfortable.
I would rather look into making her feel comfortable in her room as is. Get her a Teddy for the foot of her bed to protect her, if she doesn't have good light there then put in a little light, close her curtains if they're open.... Teach her she doesn't need to be afraid of her dreams.

Answer

Shes feeling like the only one without a camera and having nightmares. I think your over thinking it. If your gonna watch her every minute shes in her room then shes losing privacy but she requested it so she can feel secure at night so no it has nothing to do with her privacy

Answer

It’s a pretty unusual request and seems to be accompanied by her feeling genuinely anxious/scared. Personally I’d want to get her one just to be sure there isn’t a reason she’s scared and wants a camera that she can’t articulate. Maybe there’s someone coming outside her window? Or maybe the shadows in her room are just making her think she sees something. Either way she’s scared. Especially if this sort of thing is unusual for her, I’d want to see if I can pinpoint what’s going on. The camera could help do that while also helping her feel safe. You can always take it out in a few months if she no longer needs it. She’s 5 so a camera isn’t likely to make her feel a lack of privacy. And you’ll only turn into a helicopter parent if you allow yourself to.

Answer

I would put one in without her knowing just to record if there is anything going on in her room like paranormal activity if you see nothing on it after a week or two, I bought my son a dream catcher and I told him it takes away any bad dreams and only gives you good ones and it done the trick I also do a night light with a bedtime story and no technology an hour before bed which doesn’t seem to be an issue as he’s usually playing with his toys or in the bath an hour before his bed time and I find no technology stops his brain from being over stimulated before bed. Good luck x

Answer

I’d do it for her peace of mind. Then ask her again in 6 months if she’d like to keep it, see where you go from there

If your 5 year old wanted a camera in their room, would you get one?

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