If the price of a good woman is above rubies, that's generally well below the going rate for a good babysitter. Keeping everybody happy (and safe) can be tricky.

It's a two-way relationship, so make sure your babysitter gets home safely. If you're back late, don't expect her to cover her taxi out of her fee. Never come back later than expected, if it's unavoidable, phone. If your babysitter comes from your child's school or nursery, don't ask about things that could put her in an embarrassing position.

Do as you would be done by
Never cancel at the last minute - certainly not on the doorstep - and discuss all fees and settle the price, before you go out. If it's an emergency and you absolutely must cancel, it's only fair to pay a cancellation fee. Most babysitters appreciate being paid in cash, so have the right change handy.

Presenting a united front
Make house rules about things like smoking, alcohol, boyfriends or phone calls clear from the start. Tell the babysitter what time the children go to bed - in front of the children, to stop them pushing for a later bedtime! Assuming you know and trust your sitter, make sure your children know that you'll back her up if they misbehave.

Explain your routine and anything that helps your children settle for the night. Make sure she knows whether to leave a nightlight on, or to keep bedroom doors open. Tell her what to do if your child gets up or starts to cry. Warn your children that the babysitter is coming, especially if they're likely to be asleep by the time she arrives.

Explain how any baby equipment like a sterilizer works. Show her where the coffee and tea or soft drinks are kept. Show her how any kitchen equipment works and where things are stored, in case she has to prepare a drink or something to eat.

Emergency checklist
Leave a contact number. If it's your mobile make sure it works where you're going or that you will be able to leave it on. Leave the numbers of two friends or relatives, (make sure they're at home) your doctor, a taxi number and money in case of emergency.

Show the babysitter where you keep keys, medicines and other essentials like a change of sheets. It's worth showing them where the fusebox is and where to turn off the water and gas, just in case.

Above all, never leave a sick child with a babysitter. You'll worry about them, it's unfair on the sitter and your child will really want you to be there anyway.

• Where Can You Find A Reliable Babysitter?
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