In PART I, questions pertinent to hiring a sitter and the experience of the sitter were briefly discussed. In PART II, more suggestions will be given for the hiring of a sitter.

Observe the applicant’s demeanor. Is the person comfortable in your presence? Does calmness prevail? Is fidgeting observed or is tranquility observed? The last thing any child needs is a sitter that is hyper and out of control! Ask the “what if” again. What would be their reaction to specific situations that you have already observed in your child? Recall moments that have been traumatic for you and ask how they would have reacted. Are you satisfied with his/her answers? Are they innovative in approaching a problem and have the solution well- thought out?

Follow up:

 Perhaps he/she will offer you new insight and even suggest a better way that you can approve in the approach to the problem. Key questions would be:

1. What would be his/her response if the child throws a tantrum? (Patience is again emphasized.)
2. Is he/she able to anticipate emergencies or dangers realistically?
3. How would he/she respond if the child bites, hits, kicks, or in any way attempts to harm him/her? (Patience is again emphasized.)

By asking these questions, you will discover whether or not the applicant possesses good common sense – a trait needed when dealing with children. If you are hiring a full time sitter, you know that this person must be capable of handling minor emergencies by themselves as employers tend to frown upon multiple calls from the home base just to ask questions. Can the applicant make the judgment between a major and a minor emergency? Is the sitter capable of handling the child alone? Is there any indication that the sitter might just give up and walk out the door? Above all, does the applicant project all of the signs of being above and beyond the usual realm of patience? Patience and stability are the two most important traits for a sitter, especially if the child has special needs.

After you have completed your part of the interview, it is time to allow the most important person to meet this new person in his/her life. Allow your child to be brought into the room for an introduction. You cannot afford to be judgmental at this point. Ultimately, the selection of the sitter is your choice, not the child’s choice. The child may be in a disturbed mood at the thought of a different face in his/her world and act out his/her disturbances. Expect this. You focus on the sitter. How does he/she react to the child? How does he/she assess the situation? Is he/she cordial toward the child? How do you feel about the person's reactions to the child? Was there a feeling of warmth? Did the person approach the child or hold back?
Consider all of your emotions toward the sitter. How did you truthfully feel toward him/her? Is this someone you believe can work with your child on a day to day basis?

Please remember that you have your list of do’s and don’t. It’s your list, and you know what you expect. Ask yourself if this person can live up to your expectations. When you hire, you want the person to stay with you – not be here today and gone tomorrow.

Listen to the applicant’s expectations. Then, both you and the applicant can make the decision whether or not working with your child is the right decision for both of you. This is a person that you want your child to love so that a bond of trust and understanding is formed between the two. This is a person that you want to respect as a responsible addition to your household whether on a part time or full time schedule.