Here are some Frequently Asked Interview Questions I've gotten over the years.
How do you respond to a temper tantrum?
Temper tantrums can be a common and challenging aspect of childhood development. They can be emotionally taxing for both children and caregivers, but how we respond to these outbursts can make a significant difference in a child's emotional growth and behavior. The first thing I make sure to do is stay calm:
reacting with frustration can escalate the situation further. I like to remind myself that when a child is having big feelings, they're already having a hard time, so I don't want to add to that. Maintaining a sense of calm sends a powerful message to the child that their emotions are accepted and that there are better ways to handle them. Then I like to acknowledge their feelings; I use simple and empathetic language to acknowledge the child's feelings. Phrases like "I can see that you're really upset right now" validate their emotions. This acknowledgment helps children understand that their feelings are valid, which can be reassuring. I offer Comfort:
if the child is open to it, offering physical comfort such as a hug or gentle touch can be comforting. Physical contact can help them feel secure and supported during their emotional turmoil. Not to mention, touch can help activate ones parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body enter a state of relaxation. I then give them space: sometimes, children need space to work through their emotions. If it is safe to do so, allowing them some room can be beneficial. This space can give them the opportunity to calm down independently. SometimeI I also Redirect their Attention: redirection can be effective tools for managing tantrums. Trying to engage the child's attention in something else that interests them can shift their focus away from the cause of the tantrum.Finally, after everyone is calm, I set a boundary: if the tantrum is related to a specific request or demand, calmly but firmly explain any boundaries or rules that apply.
​
For older children, giving them choices within reasonable limits can empower them and reduce frustration. Providing options allows them to have some control over the situation, which can help defuse their emotions.
​
Responding to temper tantrums requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of a child's emotional development. By staying calm, ensuring safety, acknowledging feelings, and employing effective strategies like redirection and setting boundaries, caregivers can help children navigate their emotions in healthier ways.
Whats a healthy lunch you'd prepare for an 8 month old and a 2 year old?
A healthy lunch for an 8-month-old and a 2-year-old should be both nutritious and easy to eat. I'd make mashed sweet potato for the 8-month-old,
(I usually add a little breast milk or formula to achieve the desired consistency.)
For the 2-year old, I would make a chicken and veggie sandwich using whole-grain bread, shredded chicken, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a spread like hummus or cream cheese. I'd cut it into small, manageable pieces or cut it into a fun shape using a cookie cutter. I'd offer the 8-month-old small, soft pieces of the same shredded chicken.
​
​For both children, I would include a side of cooked and finely chopped mixed vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and/or broccoli. As a fruit, I would offer bite-sized pieces of ripe, soft fruits like sliced banana or small pieces of smashed berries.
For the toddler, I would include dairy or dairy alternatives as needed. Yogurt or some cheese could work well.
For both children, I would make sure that water is readily available.
What do you do if the infant in your care hasn't stopped crying for thirty minutes or longer?
In one of my previous roles as a live-in, the youngest would cry for 20-30 minutes every evening. She’d be fed, changed, played with, well rested…etc. but would still proceed to cry during the same
20-30 minutes every evening.
I'd swaddle her and do the “mommy walk” around the house while talking or singing to her until she’d calm down.
In other instances with infants I’ve cared for, long periods of crying have indicated gas, illness, or being overly tired. Each instance was treated accordingly, whether it was through gas drops, rocking/comfort, laying the child down for a nap, or providing the parent with the information so that they could make an informed decision about possibly taking the infant to the doctor. (Note: In any case where an infant cries for a long period of time, I always let the parents know)
I remember a time my own daughter wouldn't stop crying and she was generally a happy baby. I had tried everything and was running out of ideas. I was beginning to think she was sick because it was unlike her to cry this much. I was going to try giving her a bath as my last attempt... and if that didn't work I was planning to take her to the doctor. I took all her pieces of clothing off one by one and when I got to her sock, it seemed to be a little stuck; I noticed that a thread was wrapped around her little toe. I unwrapped it. As soon as I did that, she stopped crying. That experience taught me that caring for little ones requires not only patience but a keen eye for the subtlest of details. It served as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected solutions can quell the most persistent cries, offering valuable insights into the art of caregiving.
You're caring for three little ones.
It’s a rainy day and they're home from school.
They're bored with their usual toys. How would you keep them stimuated?
First of all, I have a million ideas for crafts!
I live for opportunities like this where I can tap into what I did during my childhood and pull from that. We would definitely use couch pillows, sheets, blankets…etc. to make our own forts/tents. We'd have an indoor picnic at lunch time! We could have a movie-themed afternoon (Make popcorn trail mix together and pick a movie to watch!)
And if the rain lets up a bit and it's not too cold, I totally encourage puddle jumping! We can go for a short walk and the children can splash in puddles! (We’ll of course clean up and change when we get back home)
