Make detailed instructions
Even if the caregiver you choose has countless hours of experience taking care of your little and not-so-little-anymore ones, it’s important to leave them with detailed instructions on how you want things done. Child Care Instructions can make all the difference when it comes to giving your kids’ caregiver the information they need in case of emergencies, or a convincing performance of “mom always lets me have ice cream before bed.”
Handle the everyday and emergency situations
We know, there is nothing pleasant about thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it needs to be done, especially if you’ll be unreachable or in a different timezone. A Child Care Authorization allows someone to temporarily care for or make decisions about your kids, such as allowing your nanny to pick them up from daycare, sign a school permission slip, take them to the emergency room, and more. You can also provide a Medical Treatment Authorization for a Minor Form in case a hospital trip is required. If you want to grant legal authority to make major decisions, you may want to make a Power of Attorney for Child instead.
While it may put a damper on the vacation planning, you might also want to consider updating your estate plan. If you need to update who you’ve selected to be the guardian of your children in your Last Will and Testament if something happens to you, before you leave for a vacation without your kids is an ideal time.
Organize a binder with everything
Organizing your Child Care Instructions and Authorization in a binder can be helpful for your caregiver. Some items to include are:
- Schedules for the kids.
- Meal ideas including what to make, where to order delivery or go out to eat.
- Emergency contacts including neighbors or nearby family, their doctor, and local emergency numbers for poison control, police, and the fire department.
- Copies of each important document they might need.
- Your travel itinerary and contact information for where you will be staying.
- Where they can find important official (kid) documents like passports, immunization records, insurance cards, and official birth certificates.
Make sure that your caregiver or nanny is fully informed of all activities and needs for the kids, and can take action when you are not available.
Choose someone your kids trust too
If you don't have a nanny, it's important that you leave your kids with someone that makes them feel comfortable. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and godparents are always a good option. If something goes wrong, knowing both you and your children trust the caregiver you have chosen can make a world of difference.
Whoever you do choose, make sure to leave them a box full of ways to keep your children entertained as well.
Be extra prepared and have backup
It is important to review your preparation and make a backup plan. It can be a good idea to leave an extra set of house and car keys. Also, depending on who will be paying for food, activities or emergencies, you may want to consider placing some extra cash and a spare credit card in an envelope that can be used in case something happens to the card or cash you initially provide.
Lining up a backup to watch your kids can save you from having to end your trip early if your caregiver has an emergency of their own. Consider asking a friend, nearby family member or even a neighbor to be your backup.
Have fun! You deserve it! And if you have any questions, reach out to a Rocket Lawyer network attorney for affordable legal advice. Happy travels!
Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
