A good babysitter is a treasure. Help your babysitters shine by making sure they are well prepared while you are away.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute presented by this station and TexCare -- connecting Texas families with children’s health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Before you leave, tell your sitter where you will be and when you will return. Post all emergency numbers by the phone, including a number where you can be reached. Write down your home address so the sitter can give it to the police or emergency professionals.

Show the sitter around the house. Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. Discuss feeding, bathing, and sleeping arrangements for your children and tell your sitter of any allergies or special needs your children have.

Provide your sitters with all the information they’ll need to do a great job. You’ll both feel better for it.

Keep your kids healthy. Call TexCare at 1-800-647-6558 to apply or when it's time to renew your children's health care coverage. That's 1-800-647-6558."