sitter question-language barrier

[Linda/NE]

I put an ad in the paper for a sitter. It just came out tonite and I've had 2 calls. One lady said she knew some people who had openings and just wanted to clarify what I was needing.

The other was a high school girl who was calling for her mother. They just recently moved to town. The problem is the mother speaks very little or very poor English (that's why the daughter called.) The concerns that are entering my mind are whether I would be able to communicate with her well enough and whether the kids would be able to understand what she tells them.

Dh said we should probably meet with her before making a decision.(which I agree with) Maybe this sounds menial to some of you, but we really have VERY FEW non-English speaking people in our town. Just in the past few years they have been moving in. I have nothing personal against any of them--please don't misunderstand my post. I'm not concerned that it would be a poor environment for the kids or anything. I think I'm feeling uncomfortable about not being able to understand her.
I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!!

[darlene]

I can certainly understand your concerns Linda. Meeting with her would probably be a good idea. Then you would know what exactly "limited" means.
You never know...maybe it woud be a good opportunity for your kids to learn a 2nd language?
How long would the kids be with her? Before school/after school?

Good luck with your decision.

:)

[Diane]

There was a day care provider who moved into my area who didn't speak very good English and although she didn't seem to have a hard time getting kids to come into her day care... she did have a very hard time keeping them, because of the language barrier. She couldn't really understand what the kids were saying or talking about... and of course they didn't have a clue what she was talking about either. As an adult... we might be able to somewhat figure out what is being said... but kids usually wouldn't be able to do this. Face it... if you don't understand each other there is no communication and to me... without communication there is nothing. I would definitely meet with her... you may find that she speaks/understands more than you think she does... but if you don't feel comfortable with her, keep interviewing. If you've already gotten two phone calls... you'll probably get a lot more who you won't have this problem with. I hate to sound mean/harsh... but realistically it only makes sense to go with somebody who you and your child can better communicate with.

Diane... :wave:

[Lynda/WA]

It could be a problem but it may be good for the kids. It really depends on your specifics. What ages are the kids? Mine are getting a little older and could communicate with both me and 911 if need be. For them a babysitter is more of a backup so they could maybe learn from a non-english speaking babysitter. With younger kids I'd want someone that can clearly communicate. It sounds like some of the *admin* stuff can be filtered through the daughter.
Will she be doing any driving? What about a driver's liscense? I'd want anyone driving my kids to be able to clearly read english.

[AnnW]

Down here, it's not uncommon to have spanish speaking people. My housekeeper does not like to speak on the telephone in English, but we do quite well together in person...maybe this lady is like that.
I would at least meet her, check her references and go from there. The main concern would be how would she communicate with the children and how would she handle an emergency.
Good luck.