Hmm..the parents are up to something, I get a whiff of Chanel no 5 in the air, oh my goodness Mother's going somewhere without me. WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!..yep   I was right here comes Dad with his new slim fit shirt and single creased pants, looking dapper I must say, Dad does get all his good looks from me, he lucked out that way. Okay wait why are the Parents doing this to me again,  why can't they just take me?, SO every outing with me requires meticulous packing of a copious amounts of paraphernalia, and then once out and about I might scream and holler about being tired and wanting my cot, and eventually the parents do have to cancel everything and come home early to regain their sanity. So I like drama, but don't I make every outing memorable. Anyways it looks like they've taken my troublesome behavior personally for the parents are dressed to the nines and it appears they have come to the sad decision to leave me behind. Hey not to worry I won't give up without a fight. An innocent babysitter has been duped with the promise of money to come babysit and boy is she in for the time if her life.

My innocent victim arrives promptly she gives me a gleeful grin, I'll soon sort that grin out don't you worry. Right Mother dearest has just finishing all the don't and do's and emergency nonsense, she's just picking up her Gucci bag to leave and here's my cue, I scream I holler, I hold my breath, I might just hyperventilate..should I throw up is that going to far. The babysitter looks  worried, my mother dearest is onto me, deviously clever woman she distracts me with a KitKat bar..darn it, the tears stop midstream, I can't pretend anymore. Chopping down on gooey chocolate I watch my parents drive away. The Babysitter seems  to have regained her confidence once again. I eye her up and down, listen here babysitter I don't really need you to look after me, infact I'm practically an adult, and if you think about it you're trespassing I could call the police right now and have you escorted away. Babysitter thinks my yapping is quite cute, this one is a toughie to breakdown, ooou and she really knows how to tickle, couldn't stop a giggle getting out there.

Wait I compose my staunch self, babysitter's talking some mumbo jumbo about a bedtime, hey rule number one of baby sitting, the baby makes the rules not you. Darn it she gives me her phone..wowzers I get lost in the worldwide web whilst she has me changed, washed, brushed and smelling like a peach. Now she's rocking me to sleep....Mum NEVER does that, something about creating habits from her book of new fangled parenting...whateverzzz this bliss, okay babysitter you won this time I think as I dose off, but as Arnold from Terminator said..I'll be BACK!

---

What is separation anxiety? 

Tearful, tantrum-filled goodbyes are common during a child's earliest years. Sometime between 4-7 months, babies develop a sense of object permanence and begin to learn that things and people exist even when they're out of sight. One way to help your baby deal with separation anxiety is to let her spend time with you and any new carers together, at the same time. This shows your baby that you trust her new carers, which will help her feel more comfortable around them too. You could also try having a series of brief separations from your little one, leaving her with a familiar family member. When you pop out on a quick errand and then return, it will help reassure her that people do disappear, but always come back again.

Games like peekaboo can also help your baby to understand the idea of disappearance and reappearance. Another way of helping your baby overcome her anxiety is by making each separation as predictable as possible. For example, always say goodbye when you leave. This way, she won't be taken by surprise when you're not there. Try to only say goodbye to your baby when you're about to leave, and then always leave straight away. If you hang around, you could make her more anxious and confused. Leave something familiar with her, such as a teddy, blanket or dummy. It'll help her to feel that you and her home life are close by.

---

Babysitter Checklist 

Here are a few things your children’s babysitter should know so that they can ensure that your child is safe and happy while you are away.

• Make sure that the caregiver has both  cell phone numbers and emergency contact numbers, so that they know which number to dial in case of emergency.

• Give the number and address of a couple of friends or relatives who live nearby so that they can be contacted in case you are not reachable.

• Let the babysitter know where the first aid box and fire extinguisher are located.

• Tell them to contact you in case of dire situations, for instance if your child has developed fever or is crying uncontrollably.

• Make sure that the babysitter is aware of any food allergies, health conditions, medications or other special needs that your child may have.

• Ensure that the babysitter knows the rules of the house. She should be able to adhere to the routine you have established for your children. Bed time, diner time and such routines must be maintained.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe