Don't worry about my kids while I travel
I’m a little more than two and a half years into a job that is based in Washington, DC. We didn’t have to move there because I’m a teleworker. But that means I need to travel. These days, that means I travel at least once a month. I just wrapped up three straight weeks home and it’s been great. The dog got a lot of walking. The kids and I had some great time together. We’re finally caught up on laundry (as of Monday morning). The house isn’t perfect, but I left it in a shape I felt good about.
I am often surprised by how many parents and non-parents ask me how the heck I can travel so much. They worry about the kids and how they “handle it.” Well, first thing’s first. I don’t parent alone. They also have a dad, my husband, Randy. He steps it up a notch when I’m out of town and it works. Yes, he doesn’t think about dinner often when I’m around and I know his mornings are a lot less stressful when I can help get the kids off to school. But he handles it really well. Also, did my dad ever get this many questions while he traveled even more than I do while I grew up? Nope. I know he didn’t. Why the double standard?
While Randy is helping a ton while I’m out of town, we also have a couple of amazing college students who help. Not only do they pick up Jordan from school and make sure both kids get to their after school activities when I’m out of town, they also help when I’m in town. Often, they help cook dinner when I have a dinner plan. (And yes, there are some weeks when I don’t. But I’m not bad at trying to have meals ready for cooking – especially when I’m out of town.)
I’m not the only caregiver and please, don’t worry about the kids. They’re doing great. I’m out of town this week and we’re staying in touch via email and texting. Worst case? They can call me. But they rarely do. We exchange photos and messages the whole time I’m gone. Sometimes, Jordan even FaceTimes me in the morning so we can do breakfast together. Those little touchpoints go a long way while I travel.
A little distance is not impossible. And I promise, my kids are growing up confident, able and they know I’m their mom near and far.
What a great post. An interesting topic, as I wouldn’t have questioned this at all. But as your friend I see more if you. Virtually. Of course. But I see what an incredible family you have. And I’ve got no worries about you and yours. Safe travels as you continue on this journey. And mega-hugs. Just cause you’re you.
Thank you, Andrea! ((mega-hugs)) right back to you.
Thank you for posting this. I often get similar remarks and firmly believe that if my husband were the traveller we would have not even heard a peep. I don’t understand the interest in my travel schedule. I suppose people don’t believe my husband can the care of my daughter or that I somehow must not love her enough if I am able to be away from her. It is easy to say you don’t care what other people think, but with so many comments i can’t help but second guess myself sometimes. I am glad I am not the only person dealing with this.
I’m glad I’m not alone as well, Rebecca!
Oh you have interns!!!! 🙂 You’re probably right about the double standard.
I love it. Yeah, I have interns.
My dad worked for Nys education department from the time I was in Kindergarden until he retired oh about nineteen years ago. This ment he was gone three weeks out of every month except July and Aug. My mom also had a job that involved travel. So basically I grew up all through my childhood with traveling parents. My parents tag teamed and made sure that as much a possible there was at least one parent home with my sisters and I. When it wasn’t possible for either to be with us we had an AWESOME housekeeper who pitched in to help out with my sisters and I. We spoke nightly as there was no face time or email but it worked out. I think happy parents are effective parents. Doing what you love in conjunction with raising a family is a juggling act but helps you to be good at both.
You shouldn’t have to explain or justify anything, but I can totally understand how you’d get to the point where you’d want to say something. It always amazes me when people feel they have the right to comment on things that really are none of their business!
Great post. I love travel too!
It’s funny, I get the same questions, too. When my kids were born, I briefly left the work force due to my extensive traveling at the time but now I realize they have always benefitted from my short absences. It gives us all time to breathe and miss each other! I’m also a WAHM so k appreciate my work trips and everyone survives.
Exactly, Holly! When I’m home, I’M REALLY HOME. So the away time is super healthy for all of us. *fist bump*