Help pls on potential au pair & epilepsy

[sandsam]

I'm recruiting a new au pair for when my current one leaves. I have an applicant now who is qualified (or at least worth interviewing) - and she has epilepsy.

She says she had one episode in Aug 2003, and is now on medication.

This au pair will be alone with my to-be 3 year old twin toddlers for up to 10 hrs at a stretch. She will be expected to drive daily - freeway and city. She will be taking them to playgrounds, allowing them to be in swimming pools, taking them in crowds, etc.

Would you rule her out based on her health?

I don't know much about epilepsy attacks - will she not have any while on meds? Please help me - what do you know? What would you do?

[Spazzycat]

If she hasn't had an seizure since 2003

I don't think that I would have a problem with it if otherwise she's the perfect candidate.

[kim p]

i would pass...

i've had au pairs. they're not always 100% honest.

the driving was the deciding factor for me in your post.

the fact that she COULD have a seizure while driving your kids -- well, that is just too be an IF for me...

also, the fact that you are questioning it is answer enough. go with your gut in these types of decisions.

i know that finding the right au pair is a task -- but i think i'd keep looking.

i suppose it wouldn't hurt to call & talk to her and get a better feel. where is he from? how old is she?

[shoshie]

I've got 2 friends with epilepsy

Both are well controlled and parents now (one suffered IF even). If they can be great mothers, i don't see why an under control epilectic can't be an au-pair

If you are concerned, she can probably bring medical references as well - but you have to trust her - after all, she's caring for your kids. If you don't feel comfortable trusting her about this, you'll have other issues with trust as well

Good luck in whatever you decide

shoshana

[Syd]

You got to go with your gut feeling...m

You are the one who is going to leave your child with this person. Chances are she won't have another seizure. Also if the DMV lets her drive I think she is ok. My dh had to go through a lot to drive again.

My dh had his first seizure in his life last year at the age of 41. He had one more seizure the next day at the hospital. We don't know for sure what caused it but I beleive it was from stress which caused bad sleeping habits. He hasnt had one since but he is on medication now. I had a problem with leaving my kids alone with dh the first 4 months but now I don't have any problems with it. Dh also does the car pooling once or twice a week and none of the parents mind. We ask the other parents in advance before he started driving.

Good luck with your decision and all you can do is what is right with you and your family. There is no wrong. This person knows that, that is why she mentioned it to you.

Anita

[Debj]

check the side effects of meds if expecting her to drive.
then go with your gut
good luck
debj

[KarinKath2]

Pass. If something ever happened and you didn't you'd never forgive yourself.
Karin