Awkward situation...

[Ladybug122]

So I am hiring a new babysitter. I like to have 2 on my "payroll" (one main one, and one backup) and my backup sitter is a college student whose schedule this semester is not meshing with my work schedule. So, once again, I am hiring a new one. Unlike my previous sitters, this time I am looking for a more "permanent" person (i.e. NOT a college student). Although all the girls I have hired have worked out great in their abilities, etc, the semester-by-semester changes in their schedule is kind of annoying. So, I am looking for an older person, maybe someone retired, etc.

Anyway, I interviewed a really sweet lady the other day who ran her own home daycare for 20 years then became a social worker. She is newly retired and looking for something part time and loves kids. Seems really nice, lots of experience, very sweet with the kids. So what's the problem, you ask? Well, she tells me during the interview "I don't drive because of an eye condition, so my husband will drop off and pick up. He's retired, so he's happy to do so." Ok, fine. Then as her visit continues I notice little things like misreading the saying on my son's t-shirt (thought "goal" was "goat"), nearly tripping over my son's feet (although I do that, so who can blame her), but then when she goes to write down some reference names and numbers, she's holding the paper SUPER CLOSE to her face, like she's having difficulty seeing... Anyway, I'm just wondering about her ability to see well because I have a 14 month old who finds the tiniest things to stick in her mouth, etc. I kind of feel funny asking about her ability to see, etc. WWYD??? Help!

[L.Jane]

I believe she opened the door when she said she had an eye condition. You might start out with, You said you have an eye condition, could you please tell me a little more about this and how it affects your daily life? Its an honest question that if she gets upset or defensive about, then maybe she isnt the right person for you. I am a nanny and I know I like to be able to openly communicate with my families. I want them to be able to tell me what they are concerned about and I want to be able to tell them what I need. I am sure the rest of the board might have more helpful advice, but at this point, that is what I would do.

If my child were older, I would use her. Not a 14 month old.

[Ladybug]

Not only that but you want someone who can read to your child.

[Meenah]

That red flag is too big. It doesn't sound like it will be a safe situation, especially if she has a progressive condition.

[JC76]

Unfortunately, I don't think I'd hire her.

[diggitydot]

That would be a deal breaker for me.

[scrub-jay]

I would be a bit concerned. If you have a different contact number, or she has to look up poison control... for that age, that would be a deal breaker for me as well. ((sorry)) Go with whatever your gut tells you.

[Ladybug122]

Thanks ladies, I agree with all of you, and I think I had already had my mind up when I posted the question, but I figured I'd send it to my favorite sounding board anyway! I sent her a thank you email stating that we're still interviewing and we'd get back to her when we've made a decision...trying to be polite.
Why would someone with pretty serious vision issues seek a babysitting job??? Seems like she's setting herself up for problems no matter which way you look at it.
It's too bad, because she seemed great otherwise.... Thankfully I have another interview set up for next week. Fingers crossed that it works out.

[Gwendolyn]

I know I'm jumping in late, but the no driving would be a deal breaker for me. What if you need her to pick someone up or get a kiddo to an activity? That is a huge deal for us. Good luck with the next interview!!