Not sure how many of you remember or know this, but for the first 7 years of my career, I was literally “up in the air” almost every other week. Being a consultant, traveling is part of the job, and I absolutely loved it! I practically lived out of a suitcase some months, and although that can be tiring, I just love exploring new cities, eating out, and not having to do dishes. 😉 When I had Austin, my amount of travel significantly decreased, but didn’t go away. Then a few years later, we moved to Utah so that we could be local to me and my husband’s client to prevent having to travel, but two weeks ago I had to travel to Miami. I was 2 time zones away from my kids, which proved difficult matching up schedules, Vivian got sick the first day so I needed to find babysitters the second day because Marvin had an important meeting that day… but we got through it. And I just have to say that I have the most amazing husband ever. So if you ever have to travel or be away from your kids for work, a blogging conference, or even just for a girl’s trip, here are…
7 Ways To Cope When A Parent Has To Travel For Work
- Explain to your child what will be happening. – This is quite possibly the most important tip. Please don’t think that you can sneak out without your kids noticing, they will keep asking where you are. Before I travel, I always give my kids advance notice so they know what to expect.
- Keep routines. – Ensure that the person watching your children still keeps all of the same routines. Even though one parent will be gone, it may be harder to keep things on track, but hopefully the one watching the kids can keep things as routine as possible.
- Connect via Facetime/Skype/Duo. Well since I am an iPhone user and my husband is an Android user, we weren’t able to easily just Facetime. We ended up using Duo, Google’s new video messaging app to see each other!
- Prepare frozen meals or make-ahead meals (for the parent staying at home). – Before the parent who is traveling leaves for their trip, try to make meal planning a ton easier for the parent at home. Prepare some frozen meals ahead of time, so that dinner time can just be heat and prep quick!
- Expect possible regression. – There may be setbacks in the routine, kids might get sick (which happened to me 2 weeks ago), so be prepared with babysitters on hand.
- Keep busy. – Making sure that the kids are busy, will help time go faster until the parent comes back home.
- Return with lots of love. – Whether you return from your trip with a present or lots of kisses, either way, give your children lots of love when you get back! They for sure will be so happy to see you! When I got back, I picked up the kids from daycare as a surprise and they squealed with delight! 🙂 It was the best feeling!
Outfit Details:
Jumpsuit: Zara
Blazer: TopShop
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bag: K.Slade
Hair styled by Tanglez Hair and Makeup
Lipstick c/o The Red Closet Diary (Lipsense)
Photography by Paige Nicolle Photo
Shop the post:
Do you have any other tips for helping children (or spouses) cope when a parent has to travel for work?
this outfit is absolutely stunning, sandy!! you look beautiful. and such great tips! It’s SO hard when me or my husband have to travel and be away!
I love this blazer/clutch combo! You look stunning!
xx Sam | The Heart of the House
Loving this outfit babe! Great tips XX, Donna
http://www.onthedllifestyle.com
so obsessed with your jump suit!
xxS
I love Tip #1 and 3!! I’ve found that when I can explain things to my kids so they know exactly what’s happening that it helps so much for both them and me. I also think Facetime has made being away from your kids easier! Thanks for sharing!
xx – anna
http://www.fleurdille.com
This is so inspiring! I am definitely going to to bookmark this for when I have kids! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo,
Bailey
Here’s The Skinny
First of all, I adore that jumpsuit on you! It’s so chic. And that braid is all of the goals. I don’t have kids, but I can imagine how difficult it must be to have to be away from them so much for work. You handle it with grace! These are some great tips that I will keep in mind in the future.
xo Steph
A Sparkle Factor
Lots of great tips! This is my most favorite look on you and your hair! Fab!
http://www.MelissaTakesFashion.com
I have yet to experience this since I don’t have kiddos, but I can only imagine how hard it must be for those that travel a lot. My company is all about travel so I know it’s hard for a lot of people who DO have families! xx Adaleta Avdic
love the tips, i used to travel a lot but not so much! love this chic and so so stylish outfit!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
This jumpsuit is amazing! The lace edges are just so swoon-worthy. And I can’t get over your gorgeous braid – so thick, so beautiful!!
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Sandy, I have to eventually find a long jumpsuit for me to wear.. I love this style so much! Gorgeous lace, cream, so ramantic and pretty , especially with the floral clutch, You look amazing!
Thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Such great tips! I’ll remember them when I become a Mom, for sure!
P.S. You look lovely!
~Whitney
http://www.whitneynicjames.com
Your nails… that bag… THOSE SHOES! Everything. This outfit = perfection. LOVE IT! It’s hard to spend so much time away from family–amazing tips, thanks for sharing <3
Hope you are having a great weekend… I'm stopping in today from SITS Sharefest! XO