Some people love to travel, and if it so happens to be a perk of the job – it’s all for the best! But parents sometimes have a tough time leaving because of the kids. It’s a stressful situation, and every parent should know some tips on how to make the separation easier.
Make the Right Decision
Stephanie Mihalas, Ph.D., a licensed phycologist, explains that a parent must tell their child about upcoming business travel at just the right time. Choosing the right time frame, depending on age and temperament, will lessen the stress when the departure day comes.
Share Details for Comfort
For younger children who don’t particularly understand what dates mean – mark everything on a colorful children’s calendar. Also, share with them when you’re leaving and coming back. It might help to tell them what you’ll be doing on the trip. That creates a sense of knowing in the child and might put them at ease that their parent is leaving for a while.
Don’t Ignore Daily Routines
It’s important to leave detailed instructions for your child’s daily routine when leaving for business travel. They don’t need another thing altering and causing stress. Make sure the home routine is the same as it always has been when you’re away for work.
Leave Little Reminders
Maybe you can leave a favorite sweater behind or even write cute little notes for your child to find when you’re off on business. That will keep your presence perfectly intact and keep the child comforted and happy when you’re not at home for a while.
Keep the Goodbye Simple
Don’t make things harder on yourself and your child. Don’t feel guilty for having to leave and act anxious or sneak away when the day comes. Keep it casual. Tell your child you love them, kiss them, and walk out the door!
Check-In During Business Travel
When you’re away, it doesn’t mean you can’t call home once, even twice, or three times a day if the schedule allows it. Call your child and tell them how the trip is going. It’s good for them to hear your voice and know you care about their day and how they’re doing!
Be Together Upon Returning
When you’re traveling for business, you want to come home after the long trip and relax, and spend some quality time resting. However, your child has not seen you in a while. It’s important to spend time with them, do something fun, and sit to listen to how their days without you went!
Keep your business travel trips on the relaxed side for everyone involved, especially the children. Keep some things in mind that will lessen everyone’s stress and make the child feel just as loved, even if you have to be away for a few days!