FACT: My husband does daddy day care days and I work full time. While this is a personal choice, the pressures of working and travelling sometimes leave me with less family time and a little guilt. Here are six tips I have picked up on my journey so far, to make the process easier and allow you to create special moments even when you are away.
1. Face to Face Time
Don’t let them forget who their favourite lady is. It doesn’t have to take long to do a FaceTime check in. Make sure you are free when they wake up to ask them how they slept and what’s going to happen today! If I am back at the hotel in time, I have even been known to read a story for them via the powers of the internet.
2. Plane Tracker
Technology saves the day again! Download a plane tracker app and make sure your kids know what flights you are on so that they can monitor your progress and if you are in the right place and time they might even be able to see your plane fying in and out from where they are.
3. Little notes
I like to hide little notes in my kid’s lunchboxes and under their pillows for while I’m away. Even if it simply says “Have a great day – Love Mum or Dad”, it’s another way to let them know that they are always in your thoughts despite your hectic schedule.
4. Cherish the little moments
Whether it’s a story, a small travel memento or a video of something you saw, my kids love to know that I thought about them while I was away. On my trip to Sydney last Christmas, I even managed to get their names up in lights on the Christmas tree. This video is a new favourite – up there with Screaming Goats and the video of my daughter drawing all over herself.
5. All aboard
Turn a lack of family time into quality time. Whenever I can extend my trip and include the family on the experience, I do. It let’s them share in the journey and lets me have a getaway as well, rather than going straight back to a pile of washing. House-work always manages to get done but creating memories on a weekend adventure with my tribe is what it’s all about.
6. Miss them but use the time wisely
Have some wine, go shopping, sleep in. Once you think about the options it’s a bit overwhelming. My advice would be to make a list and prioritise. And enjoy those glorious moments of me time guilt free.
