If your proposal to telecommute is inspired by your newborn infant or small children, your boss has probably figured out your motivation. Or, the boss may know about your frail and elderly relative because you've taken time off for related reasons.

Before you present your proposal, remember that the expected norm of telecommuters is to make any necessary caregiving arrangements, inside or outside the home; it's unrealistic to think you can be the primary caregiver of a child or elderly relative while focusing on the work of your employer.

Your boss might not ask it directly, but the question about child or elder care while you are working is very likely in his or her mind.

Mention the care arrangements you've made as the last item under the Schedule section of your telecommuting proposal.

It should not be detailed; one line is adequate. Unless you believe its inclusion will backfire in your case, include this bit of information in a brief, straightforward manner.

How to Address Dependent Care in Your Proposal

The way you say it is important in conveying this issue as part of the "business case" you are presenting.

A poor choice of words would be something like, "Each workday, I'll drop off my elderly mother at the adult daycare center, which is located 15 minutes from my house."

A better approach: "I've lined up a full-time daycare, located 15 minutes from my home office."

Or if, for example, your mother-in-law lives with you and she will care for your baby during regular working hours, don't write, "My mother-in-law will watch the baby while I work."

Instead: "I've arranged for full-time in-home care for my child so that I can work without interruption."

How you present your case can impact your boss's decision, so choose your words and strategy carefully.