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3.) If your helper has a baby of her own, strap a baby car seat in your vehicle so she doesn't have to transfer her car seat over every time she needs to pick up your daughter from soccer.

4.) Create an expense account. You can have your bank create a separate account for your nanny and attach it to yours. She'll have her own debit card and her own budget to follow. Transfer money to the account on the day you need her to go pick up the dry cleaning. That way, you won't be sharing any personal pin numbers or handing over your credit card.

5.) Stay out of the way! It's important you have an office or a bedroom where you can work away from your kids; if mom is in plain sight, smaller children often will refuse to recognize your helper as an authority figure, constantly running to your side whenever they disagree with her discipline or instruction. Allow the nanny to establish her reign, and don't go running out every time you hear someone squabbling. Your children will test your new helper. Sit it out unless someone starts bleeding.

6.) Spend a few days together when your new helper starts. Show her around town, introduce her to your children's teachers, demonstrate how to open the gas tank on your vehicle, and teach her how to operate that crazy, confusing entertainment system remote control. Think of all of the things you do day in and day out (like throw dryer lint away in that hidden garbage can under the sink in the laundry room) and make sure she's comfortable and familiar with all of them. Not disappearing the instant a new person is introduced to the house will also help your children feel more comfortable with her from the get-go.

7.) Make sure you're actively engaged in mothering before your helper clocks in. No working until she arrives! And the instant she leaves or clocks out, the spotlight is on you. Pretend that corner in your basement where you're perched with your laptop is really a lovely office in New York City and it's time to close up shop and lock the door.

If you have to work your way through a looming deadline after your helper is done for the day, go eat with your family first and play a game or two of hide and seek. Start ups are difficult and often demand 200,000-hour work weeks. It won't be easy or perfect, but strive for balance. Kill yourself working after your darlings are tucked in bed if you must, and never ever underestimate the value of a good helper who knows how to run the washing machine.