Decorating Own Sweet Home

When our children are first born, we swear never to leave their sides, convinced that their tiny hands and sweet giggles will keep us glued to them forever.  Who could ever step away from that tiny little creature?

A few months in, however, and a time out doesn't seem so bad.  And after a few more months and then years go by, it is more than a pleasing idea to take some time away ' it is a necessity.

Time away from the kids, however, does imply some preparation ' namely, a babysitter.  And while letting an acquaintance enter into your home and take care of your kids can seem scary, leaving sons and daughters home alone entirely is terrifying.

Before heading out for some much needed grown-up time, spend a few minutes with your babysitter to prepare her and set her mind at ease.  Make sure to cover home security, one very important topic in which your babysitter must be informed.  Not sure about where to start?  Take some cues here:

1.  Locks

Talk to the babysitter or nanny you've chosen about protocols regarding locking up.  Some locks can be tricky, and even though you've got the hang of that special hip nudge necessary to close the back door entirely, a stranger to your home may not have the slightest idea.  Make sure that your babysitter knows exactly what doors will be locked and how all closures around the house work.  And, of course, don't forget to leave everything locked and shut tight before you head out the door.

2.  Home Alarm Systems

While locks are generally easy to figure out and universal, home alarm systems and home security systems are not.  Explain to the person you've chosen to leave at home with your kids about how your alarm functions.  Explain possible glitches, how to set and deactivate the alarm, and what to do if the alarm is activated.  If you have older children, make sure they know to help the babysitter out with this device.

3.  Possible Visitors

Leave babysitters with an idea of possible visitors to be trusted while you are away.  Perhaps you are awaiting a plumber to fix a leaky pipe or a friend to return something you've lent out.  Make sure that whoever is in your home knows that these people can be trusted ' and that others cannot.

4.  Detectors

Along the same lines as a home security system, speak with the nanny or babysitter you've chosen about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.  Talk about what to do if one is set off and how to check whether batteries are running in case of a malfunction.

5.  Emergencies

This one may seem quite obvious, but make sure to make a point at it just in case.  Leave behind a list of emergency phone numbers and contacts in the event that a situation should arise.  Do more than provide your cell phone number, especially if you'll be far away.  Also leave the contact information of a neighbor or someone who lives close by so that if you are far away someone will be able to react.

About the Author:

adt keeps your kids safe even when you're not around. With adt security, you can truly enjoy your night out.

Author: Oswald Melman