The DSI Blog

How to Spy on your Kids Using your Home Automation System

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Last week, my wife and I completed our first month of parenthood. Our 5 week old daughter is our first child, and after 10 years in the custom home integration industry, I took it upon myself to find the very best method to check up on her.

The idea of monitoring your child is not a new one. We all remember the walkie-talkie style baby monitors that had static and signal problems. Today's version of the baby monitor includes video with day/night abilities and can support up to 4 cameras. There are even new IP cameras (network cameras) and iPad apps that work together to wirelessly stream your little angel's image over your local computer network.

But what if you are looking for something that will integrate into an existing control system, or you are exploring the benefits of control systems for your own home? I am asked on a regular basis what the options are for this type of situation.

Instead of using the crib mounted baby monitor and small video screen that has become commonplace for new parents, a better option would be to integrate baby monitoring with your home's surveillance camera system. Then, using a video distribution system, you can view, hear and control a covert PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) camera on any TV screen in your house. We use a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) that allows the camera video to be viewed from their iPhone, Android device, iPad or computer anywhere in the world. No longer are you tethered to within 50ft of the nursery. I wouldn't, however, mention to your wife that this will now give you the ability to go watch the game at the local pub while on baby duty. It doesn't work that way, apparently.

I would be lying if I said I hadn't started scheming on ways to monitor my daughter's activities as she grows older. My friends repeatedly remind me of the future sleepless nights she will cause me as she grows through her teenage years. DSI has used pressure pads in conjunction with lighting control systems for years to light the path to the bathroom when activated. These pads, which are installed bedside under rugs or carpet, can also be used to send a signal to the parent's bedroom that their child is out of bed. Security systems can be programmed to alert with any door or window opening, and we can graphically show which door or window is opened on home automation touchscreens. We even have deadbolt locks that will email or text you when they are opened after a certain hour. My hope is that in the next ten years they will approve an implanted GPS tracking device for kids. As of yesterday, our Pediatrician is sticking with “No” as his medical opinion on this technology.

With all of the options out there for integrating my control system, there is no chance of my daughter sneaking out of the house. But I'm not sure stopping her is the best decision, after all, that's how her mother and I met.