If you're a mom who travels frequently for business, you know the many frustrations of getting things organized at home before you go. Here's some tips from Jamee Tenzer who writes the LA Working Moms column for Examiner.com on how to reduce your stress level when you have to go on the road again.
Have job, will travel: How working moms can make business-travel more family friendly
"Lots of women have jobs that require them to travel on a regular basis. And in addition to standard business traveling issues, working moms also deal with tearful goodbyes, mournful phone messages and (let’s not forget) requests for presents upon return. In addition, they typically deal with arranging for scheduling and logistics to be covered at home, while they are gone - lunches get made, kids get to and from school, cuts get bandaged, homework gets done and dinner gets eaten.
There are a two ways that I have found, to handle business travel challenges; “Micromanagement” and “They’ll Figure It Out.” Method one finds us micromanaging every moment; leaving lengthy notes for husbands and babysitters to follow. When I use this method and the day of my departure finally comes, I am usually so wrung out from my organization frenzy, I fall into my airplane seat with exhaustion and relief.
Method two is the “They’ll Figure It Out” scenario; in this one, we leave our children with capable people who are smart enough to figure it out. The children manage to get fed (it could be Doritos) and wind up where they are supposed to go (may not be on time,) get some sleep (they will go to bed late, count on it) and get regular baths (if “regular” is once per week,) but let’s face it; there are more important things in life than strict adherence to rules all the time. This method allows the kids to have a bit of vacation while you are gone on business.
The bottom line is that neither method handles the source of the issue; that gnawing feeling that no matter what the traveling mom does, her children’s needs won’t get met while she is gone. It is my feeling that we can tackle this one too." more . . .
Great article! I have been traveling since my kids were 1 and 3 (they're now in their mid-20's). I had reliable caregivers; I didn't fret when my rules were bent while I was away; I called every night to talk with both children; and I calmly came up with a 'Plan B' when needed. I still carried a lot of guilt with me, but I was able to focus on my work during the trip; and focus on them when I was home.
Carol http://www.smartwomentravelers.com
Posted by: Carol Margolis | August 01, 2009 at 06:48 PM