Preparing Your Child for When you Travel for Work (Part III)

Traveling for work can be hard on you, your significant other, and your child. Although many people think traveling for work is a perk, having a child makes it difficult to just pick up your bags and head out the door. As hard as it may be, sometimes these work trips are company requirements and cannot be avoided. Your child may have strong feelings regarding your work trip. He may feel angry or sad at the idea of missing you and not being able to see you for extended periods of time. Here are tips for preparing your child for when you need to travel for work:

1. Help your child prepare special care packages.
2. Make a list of fun trips and things to do for your child.
3. Keep in touch.
4. Be understanding.

1. Help your child prepare special care packages.

While you are away, your child would love the idea of helping you on your trip. This is an awesome way for your child to understand the importance of the trip and that you also miss him just as much as he misses you. This activity keeps your child engaged and encourages her to think of different things that would make you happy while you are away on your work trip. Your significant other or child’s caretaker can help your child draw some pictures, pick out your favorite snacks, pick out a good book to read, etc. This can be a fun adventure to the post office to send you a customized “very special” care package from home!

2. Make a list of fun trips and things to do for your child.

Leave a list of fun things for your child to do. You can ask your significant other or child’s caretaker to take him to special places, such as an amusement park, aquarium, zoo, etc. This keeps your child busy while you’re away and helps your child make positive memories during this transition. Your child will be thrilled to tell you about everything he did when you return!

3. Keep in touch.

Remember…we are in the age of smartphones and screens! This mean you can keep in touch with your child and plan special times to communicate. Talk to them on the phone. Skype or facetime with your child so that he or she can see you. You can even read a bedtime story from afar…how awesome is that!

4. Be understanding.

It is most important to understand the different feelings your child will experience during your work trip. Be understanding. Remain calm. Be patient. Don’t set too many strict expectations. There will be tantrums, crying, lack of sleep, etc. This is a big change for your child. Instead of getting angry for any of their reactions, show your child love and patience. It’s an emotional journey your child is learning to process and navigate.