July is upon us and I’m revving up for a busy month. In addition to a fun family getaway, I’ve got a few important work events happening all within days of each other. For as many trips as this blogging road has taken me on, of which I am always grateful, there are even more that I have to decline. The reality is that I’m a mom to two very young kids, and being away from them is never easy.
In partnership with Cricket Wireless, and in preparation for this crazy month coming up, I thought I’d share 5 simple ways to feel connected while mom’s away. I’m a Cricket Ambassador and this post is sponsored by them.
Simple Ways To Feel And Stay Connected While Mom’s Away
Research coverage before you travel. I use my Samsung Galaxy S4 with Cricket Wireless nationwide service almost exclusively when I travel. The service is reliable, which is the most important factor for me when I am not in the same city as my kids. Check your service provider’s coverage map before you travel to be aware of possible issues.
Text thread between all caregivers. A friend of mine, who is also a Las Vegas based blogger, with older kids away at college once told me that her family has a designated text thread. It has a name and serves as an on-going conversation between parents and kids. I thought it was a great idea! So now, when I travel, I start a text thread between Daddy D, myself and any caregivers that might be helping out while I’m out of town. I text flight times and childcare instructions. This thread also serves as an easy way for our caregiver to inform both parents with one text. When my Type A personality knows that all parties involved are communicating, I definitely feel more connected.
Talk about the trip beforehand – and during! Out of courtesy, I tell Alina about the trips I have to take well before they actually happen. I know some parents don’t, but for my nervous nelly, telling her exactly where I’m going, for how long and with whom eases her concern. In addition, our nightly calls are usually filled with her barrage of questions. She wants to know everything from where I’m sleeping, what I ate, to what I learned. And I tell her (and show her with pictures and videos)! Sharing the details of my day (instead of just pushing them aside to hear about her’s) helps her to miss me less. Knowing that I can still nurture my daughter while away helps me feel connected, too.
MuveMusic! I’m addicted! Cricket’s music download plan – which boasts no download fees or music subscription costs – has become a staple service for us. And especially for when I travel away from my babies, having their favorite songs at my fingertips makes me feel more connected to them. Alina and I have a Curly Hair Playlist that we listen to during deep conditions, and listening to those songs always makes me happy.
Guilt be gone. Of course I feel guilty leaving my babies, but I learned a long time ago that guilt and parenting don’t belong together. By displaying guilt, your children learn that leaving them – whether for work or personal reasons – is wrong. And there is truly nothing wrong with a mom taking care of business or getting a night away with her spouse while leaving their precious babies with reliable caregivers. Especially for my 4 year old daughter, I have chosen to banish guilt and express to her how proud I am of the work I do. The biggest gift Alina gives upon my return home is when she tells me how proud she is of me, too.
Staying connected while mom’s away starts with you! Maintain a positive attitude, certainly keep guilt at bay and ensure your coverage will keep you connected even when you’re far away from the kids.
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