There are literally thousands of in-home daycare centers around the country. Many parents see it as a good way to make some extra money while being home with their own children.

While this may be true, there are some issues that can come out of bringing other children into your home to watch them. This also goes for doing some occasional babysitting in your home. Handling the issues of jealousy that can and often do arise from such situations can be frustrating even if you are prepared. It helps to understand why your toddler or preschooler may become jealous by the children coming into their home.

"Jealousy is a common reaction when children have to share their parents' attention," says Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a psychologist and author of What About Me? Twelve Ways to Get Your Parents' Attention Without Hitting Your Sister (Parenting Press, 2005). "Expect your child to do some testing at first to see if you are still willing and able to meet his or her needs. The testing should decrease once your child is used to having the other child around."

Dr. Kennedy-Moore suggests considering the following ideas to help make the transition go more smoothly for your child when you bring a new child into your home for babysitting:

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