Mom on Business Trip - How Do You Prepare Your Kids?

You're a working mom and have an upcoming business trip. What do you do to prepare your toddler for the time you will be away? What do you do to keep medical contact numbers organized in the event your toddler's caretaker needs them? What tips do you have overall to reduce any anxieties your toddler may have?

White sand between my toes, surrounded by an amazing group of mom bloggers at a conference that aims to bring us up-to-speed on the latest important technology trends for Moms, such as our own SAP app, Recalls Plus with a schedule that includes ending the week at the Versace mansion ... I have been daydreaming about Mom 2.0 Summit all week.

Reality just hit today though: this will actually be the first time I will be away from my 2 year old for 5 consecutive days!

As the thought of separation from my daughter begins to cast dark clouds over my otherwise sunny and beautiful daydream, I have to remember, technology is here to help my daughter and I stay connected.

I am hoping face-time using video Skype will do its magic during these five days. I know over the past two years, it has definitely helped fill the gap between my daughter and her grandparents who live in France.

I am in for a ride. I was told by her Daycare teacher that I have to prepare her well by talking about the conference ahead of time-- but as soon as I mention "Mummy having to take an airplane" she starts to cry, "No Daddy take airplane" (she is used to her father's frequent business trips).

Whenever I have questions regarding new parenting situations, I check out what the experts have to say. Below are some tips suggested. I have also added my own, and would love to hear any additional thoughts or ideas you may have as well.

  • Amy Kossoff Smith, founder of MomTini Lounge, believes children thrive on routine and structure. To minimize the disruption at home caused by travel, Ms. Smith suggests canceling any unnecessary commitments like play dates to streamline the family schedule as much as possible.

  • Phaedra Cucina, author of the picture book "My Mommy's on a Business Trip" advises mothers to use Skype video to show their younger children their hotel room when they are away on a trip. She notes, "it's comforting for a young child to see mommy in her hotel room waving and making silly faces." I will be sure to try this method, but I have a feeling it might cause my daughter to cry more and want to be right there with me.

  • My Tip: Make sure you have all of your child's medical records in one easily locatable place so that in the event this info is needed the caretaker watching your child while you are away can easily find important info. If organization is not one of your top strengths, you might want to invest in a mobile app like motherknows where you can have all of your child's records at the tips of your fingers via an iPhone app.

Have you ever left your Toddler at home for a Business Trip and have some successful tips to share? I would love to hear them.

You'll find me tweeting about the conference from @recallsplus and @laylasabourian, drop me a line :)