I sometimes worry about the kids when I need to go on business trips. Being a single mom and far from immediate relatives, I have to rely on our nanny to take care of my children when I’m away. Lately, I’ve become wary of our nanny because I caught her talking sharply to the kids when she thought I was not listening. It made me wonder what else she must be doing when I’m not around.

A colleague suggested I give each child a cell phone so they can reach me anytime. I went online and ordered three discount Nokia cell phones. I gave them to my kids and told them to send me a text message or call me if they need me. Funny, but I felt that I have just bought some peace of mind.