It is VERY rare for Sam to go out of town for his job, but over the years we have dealt with him being gone for work a time or two. While I know there are other Mothers out there whose husband work out of town regularly and are more prepared than me, I still wanted to share ways I have learned to manage the home front in Sam’s absence as a Mama to 6 kids ages 8 down to 6 months old. With some prep on the front end you can survive when your Husband is Away on a Business Trip.
Plan Ahead
How long will your husband be gone? A few days or weeks? What do you have going on during that time? School Days, Appointments, Extracurriculars, etc. Will the time when your husband is away on a business trip be relatively calm or slightly hectic? What can you prepare ahead of time to help your future self? Maybe stock up on Groceries and get some simple Breakfast Foods or Freezer Meals for dinner. Do a few loads of Laundry before he leaves so you don’t have to worry about that chore while he is gone, Run Errands before he heads out so that is another item off your plate during the solo days. Ask your friends and arrange Carpools so you know your kids will be picked up from school, dropped off at Art Club, etc.
During Sam’s most recent trip out of town he was gone for three days. During that time, we had 5 kids ages 7 and under and we had just learned Baby #6 was on the way. Flying solo during the First Trimester could have been tough, but by planning ahead and figuring out ways to make things as simple as possible for myself the days passed quickly and as Elastigirl aka Mrs. Incredible puts it, there was NO CASULTIES 🙂
Ask Others for Help When Your Husband is Away on a Business Trip
Depending on when your husband is away on a business trip could you as for help from Grandparents or other Family Members? Do you have Friends you could call if you need something? Could you preplan for a Babysitter to come during this time so you can get a break. Run Errands. Or accomplish other tasks that may come up unexpectedly.
In my post, Ways to Help an Expectant OR New Mother I list a few ways others can bless a mom who may need some help.
Stick to Regular Routines OR Create Fun New Ones
If possible, stick to regular Morning, After School, or Evening Routines. This will help the kids feel secure while Dad is away, and also help the time pass quickly. Maybe create a Post It count down until Dad comes home. Have your husband write letters the Kids get to read every day while he is away. Talk to Dad at the same time every day whether that be in the morning before school or the evening before bed.
If you have the energy, then pick a Fun Activity to do every day while Dad is gone. This could be playing at a different playground every day after school. Make a fun dessert. Watch a movie and eat popcorn after dinner. Have the Kids draw pictures of their day or write letters for Dad to read when he gets home. Plan a Welcome Home party for Dad. Read Aloud a new book every day, etc.
Keep Things Simple for Yourself
Keeping things simple for yourself while your husband is away on a business trip will help you from becoming burnt out. Keep your Daily To Do List minimal. Make meals simple or even order Pizza one night so you can have the night off from cooking.
Depending on how long your husband is away on a business trip, your Kids may become needy because they miss Dad. You want to make sure you have the white space in your day for extra cuddles, reading a book, and questions that might get asked throughout the day. Set yourself up for success so you don’t become frustrated with your Kids because they may be struggling and need more hugs and attention. Check out my post Up Late with Little Kids? Ways to Survive the Next Day for additional help on those rough days.
Have any other ideas that would be helpful when your husband is away on a Business Trip?
Share them with us in the comments. Let support each other on this Motherhood journey!
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