If you managed to convince someone to watch your little ones, while you secure yourself some much needed adult time, first of all, Congrats!  Secondly, you should execute a temporary POA, which is effective for up to 6 months in New York.

What should you include

In the event of a medical emergency, specify all authorized forms of treatment, as well as treatments that are not authorized.  If your children are minors and school-aged, the POA will permit a temporary designee to make educational decisions.  Your temporary agent will need to present the POA to school officials or health care providers, upon request.

Single Parents

If a court of law has determined that both parents should equally share in the parental responsibilities including educational or health decisions, a temporary POA, in favor of another person will not be valid, unless both parents have consented to the temporary relationship.  NY GOL §5-1551.

Small Business Owners

You should execute a temporary POA to allow another person to make emergency financial decisions (i.e. bank account withdrawals) for your business,  during your absence.

Conclusion

Last piece of advice parents, RELAX! Your little darlings are probably doing whatever their little hearts desire.  That’s right folks, that includes jumping on furniture, eating loads of candy, staying up late… you get the picture. Regardless, it’s a small price to pay for a little piece of mind.  Ahhh, a girl can always dream.