Getting a stranger to take care of your children is not one of your favorite things. However, there are times that this might seem convenient. If you are worried that you have to prepare a lot of things, here are some ideas to make you feel better.

The first thing that you have to do is check the baby sitter's references. If it is someone you know, like your sister or cousin, you probably feel better. If you have to hire someone, you better make sure you get references. After all this is settled, you need to show how your house works. By that we mean literally how the house works! Show the baby sitter how to lock and unlock the doors, show her the fire escape or any back doors you might have and make sure you show the alarm system if you are going to use it. Show her the emergency kit and pharmacy kit if the children fall when playing. Show the place you keep the flashlights and the matches.

When all emergencies are covered, move to the special needs of the children. If you have the baby sitter over to take care of a baby, tell her what time the baby must be fed, how much milk she is going to give and how to prepare it. Make sure she understands everything. Tell her what she should do if the baby is crying and what it takes to relax the baby most of the times. If you have older children, things are not easier and instructions should also be given. Discuss bed time and tell her if you would like her to help the children with their homework. Discuss the food that they will have and if she is allowed to prepare it or it is ready. Keep in mind that the children might tell the baby sitter that they want to do other things as watch television for three hours. Tell her if that is allowed. You should also say if your children are allergic to something or take any medication that must be given while you are absent.

If your children are very young, they might not like the idea of having someone else to watch them when you are out of the house. The best way to make them feel good is to leave an activity schedule and explain to the baby sitter that she should follow it. Include all the activities your children normally do. This way they won't feel like it is something new to them. They will just think that you have to go away, but they are still safe doing the things they normally do.

The last thing in the list is the things that you allow the baby sitter to do. Be clear about smoking inside the house, having friends visit her or spending time talking on the phone. Tell her if she can take the children out for a walk or if she can help them with their homework. Don't leave things to chance, have your list ready.

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