You already know how much I wrestle with this subject—I’ve brought it up before. It’s never simple to go on business trips and say goodbye to my loved ones. These days, my travel schedule is heavier than I’d prefer, but today I want to share what I’ve learned and the strategies I use to manage life as a mom who travels for work.
I understand there’s no universal approach to motherhood; it all hinges on your family, your job, and what suits them best. Still, here’s what has helped me in my professional circumstances. The feeling of mom guilt, I believe, never fully disappears. Each time I depart, I carry that weight, yet I also remind myself that being a working mother sets a powerful example for Chloe. And who knows—maybe someday she’ll join me on the road!
- Video Calls
I honestly can’t imagine how parents managed before FaceTime! I cherish the ability to connect with Chloe and Allen, regardless of where I am on the globe. I aim to stay involved while I’m away, and even though I’m not there physically, I always try to be present for bedtime. Depending on time zones and my schedule, we often have dinner together as a family.
- Consistency
I’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful support network I have at home. Allen does a fantastic job of maintaining Chloe’s daily rhythm (though he might bend the bedtime rules a bit when I’m gone—ha!). We work to keep Chloe’s routine steady so she feels a sense of normalcy, even during my absences.
- Secret Messages
Whenever I can before a major trip, I stash little notes around the house for Chloe to discover. She can’t read yet, but she adores finding the simple drawings I make for her. She gets a thrill spotting them when she wakes up and throughout the days I’m away.
- Countdown Tracker
Now that Chloe is a bit older, we’ve started using a calendar to count down the days of my longer trips. Most children don’t fully grasp time—3 days or 3 weeks feel the same to them—but with a countdown calendar, she can watch the days pass and see the progress. Allen tells Chloe that Mommy will return after a certain number of “sleeps!”
- Books About My Destinations
Before I head out, I always pick up a picture book about the city I’m visiting. Since I go to New York and Paris most often, she now knows that Mommy is off to the “Statue of Liberty” or the “Eiffel Tower!” It’s both fun and educational, and it helps her make sense of things. She especially loves these books: click here and here!
- Instant Photos
This one is more for me than for Chloe, but I always keep a photo of her in my wallet and passport case. Whenever I catch a glimpse of her face, it keeps me going, especially when I’m far from home. I’ll always have my CloClo close to me!
Leaving my family for work is never easy, but I hope these ideas offer some help to all you working moms out there. If you have your own tips for juggling work and motherhood, please drop a comment below!
