3 Things To Do Before Traveling Without Your Kids
Spending time with your children can be fun and special, but sometimes, you may want to take a break. Parenthood can feel like a job with no days off. However, you can go on a solo vacation once in a while to regroup and have time for yourself and your interests. Though this trip feels like a breath of fresh air, you may get nervous and worried about leaving your family behind, especially if you have young children. Here are three tips that will help you keep your home in order while you are on your exciting trip.
Communicate clearly and set expectations
The first thing to do is to inform your children about your trip. Tell them how long you will be away and where you are going. This will prevent any worry and prepare them to cope with your absence. If you are going to cook or deep clean before you leave, consider involving them in these activities. This will ensure that they learn where you placed everything so they don’t call you to ask for anything while you are in the middle of your tour. If you have older children, set some ground rules for them and share chores among the younger ones so they can survive their school mornings without you. You can also ask them to help you pack so you can have some bonding time. Consider carrying small gifts from them with you. For instance, you can take a picture together or give them a toy they can hug when they miss you.
Effective planning
While you can get caught up with preparing your children and home for your getaway, it is necessary to plan your trip in detail so you don’t miss anything or get stranded. If you have loved ones who are available to babysit, contact them early so they can clear up their schedule. If you don’t have access to family support, consider hiring a caregiver from reputable sites like Care.com for reliable supervision and care. Create an inventory and ensure you double-check your flight details and travel arrangements. Remember to pack smart and secure your travel insurance before getting on the bus or plane. Also, budget carefully to avoid unexpected expenses.
Stay in regular contact
Expect occasional ‘I miss you call’ and a considerable amount of bickering complaints while on your vacation. Staying in touch with your kids can nourish your relationship with them even if you are miles away. While it is important to set a loving boundary and ensure you truly take a break from parenting duties, there are various ways to maintain communication. Consider ensuring you have good video-calling software installed on your phone or laptop so you can have face-to-face calls and avoid missing out on special occasions like a birthday. If your children have separation anxiety, commit to calling them daily to bond with them. If you like to chat through messaging, you can send them pictures or make mini videos for them.
Do you have a trip planned this year? If yes, you don’t have to cancel it because of your parental responsibilities or guilt. With these tips, you can ensure your children are in good hands and have the best time of your life.
