3 To Do’s Before Leaving for Your Business Trip

For many working moms and dads, business trips cannot be avoided, and often they aren’t all bad. Especially when you’re an entrepreneur! While getting away with coworkers and enjoying some adult only time sounds fun, leaving your spouse or partner and your children can be difficult. Establishing a routine that you repeat with every business trip is just as important as your travel checklist and packing list. Take these 3 tips, and add a few of your own, and put them into action before and after each business trip.

1. Have a family meal before you leave on your business trip. Talk to your spouse and your children about where you are going and what you’ll be doing there. Show your children where you will be on a map and share some interesting facts about the location. If you don’t know any, look it up together! “Hey Alexa, what should I wear in Austin, Texas?” Talk to your family about what they will be doing while you are gone so you’ll feel more connected while you’re gone.
2. Arrange a time to talk to your family every day so you can stay in touch. If you can, use FaceTime, Google Hangout, or another video service so you can see your spouse and children. Talk to everyone individually so they each get a little bit of time with you. Your spouse will appreciate some adult conversation and your children will enjoy telling you about their day and hearing about yours.
3. When you return from your business trip, spend some alone time with your spouse and your children. Hire a babysitter and take your spouse to a nice dinner. They’ll appreciate a special night out without the children after holding down the fort while you were gone. Also, plan some special time with your children doing something they enjoy. Having these special times to look forward to when you return makes it easier for all of you while you are gone. Maybe bring home a fun little gift for everyone too!

If traveling for work is necessary, you can make it easier by following a routine every time you go away. Your spouse and your children will appreciate the effort you make before, during, and after your separation from them.

I’d love to hear from you and what you do to prep for business trips with your family!