Print and fill in this form, then keep it in a handy place for your babysitters, house sitters, the kids, and you.

Tip: When you're going on a vacation and leaving the kids with relatives or a sitter, be sure to plan meals ahead of time, and make it simple. Buy groceries before you go, and leave a rough schedule for what everyone should eat for dinner each night. Provide a list of favorite dishes (and recipes), snacks that are OK and off-limits, and phone numbers for takeout. Be sure to note any food allergies. For toddlers and infants, the list should be as detailed as possible (crusts on or off?). Include special tricks for getting them to eat, if needed.