Moms Who Travel a Lot for Work - How Do You Make It Work?

I travel for work and always have since my little one (now 6) was born. You're past the nursing, dealing with breast milk stuff (that was the most difficult). I make casseroles ahead that they just throw in the oven - I plan on one casserole for 2 dinners, I also put meals together in the fridge with directions so there's no confusion. My husband is self-sufficient, but this makes me feel better. I also have all the laundry done, clothes laid out for kids labeled Monday, Tuesday, etc - complete with socks and undies. PJs even out on the bed. It's a lot of work before I leave, but it sure makes their week run better and when I call at night, it's a good call vs chaos and everyone complaining. I also leave notes around for them to find that say I love and miss them - I think this is the highlight of my trips - haha. On a side note, I don't buy gifts when I travel. Sometimes my older one might ask for something related to the city I go to (like she wanted something of the Golden Gate Bridge when I went to San Fran), but otherwise, no gifts.

I travel frequently for work and it's a challenge, but we have made it work. Your husband needs to figure out how to do things his way and you need to be okay with "his way". This was the hardest part for me. They are great together and sometimes I feel like they don't miss me, which isn't true b/c my son freaks out (3 yrs) when I get home and wants nothing more than to cuddle with me.

No, I do not hire a babysitter. My husband is also our son's father and it's his responsibility to care for our son with me, not in lieu of me. We had a long talk about this before I took my current job. When he agreed that he would be okay with the travel, he also agreed not to "throw it in my face" that I got to "be away" b/c it's not all it's cracked-up to be.

We do, however, have a housekeeper who comes weekly regardless of whether or not I am home. She does all of the heavy cleaning and the laundry b/c we can't do all of the above and actually have a life together while we both work.

I do not prep meals ahead of time, but I do have my husband work out the menu for when I am away and I make sure that everything they will need is in the house. If they eat sandwiches and sliced fruit for three nights in a row... oh well it could be worse!

I do tell my MIL and BIL when I will be out-of-town so that they are aware. He hasn't had to call either of them, but I like to make sure that someone is "on call" just in case.

The biggest thing I would say to you is that if your husband is not 100% behind the job choice and all that comes with it... don't do it. I am very fortunate that my husband is fine with my travel schedule, but it may need to be revisited after our second child. We'll see.

Just be really open with him and ask him what he thinks he needs to be successful as a primary caregiver and then graciously make that happen with him, not for him.

I traveled for work for several months last year, but usually was gone only 2-4 days at a time, and my daughter was 8. Because we have a 50/50 arrangement, she is used to spending 3-4 days with her dad. The person who needed to be onboard with the plan was her father! since we had to constanty rearrange our usual schedule to match my travel times.

You and your husband will need to talk this through. And if you decide to take the job, remember that all jobs are temporary. If it really doesn't work for your family after a reasonable period of time, find a new one.

Does your husband work outside of the home?
It sounds like you and your husand need to discuss what he is comfortable with. How much help does he think he would need while you are gone?

I got hired for a government job when my first daughter was about that age. Didn't not realized there was travel until they said your hired. Gone 1 week a month. The thought made me cringe. She was too little. Sure I could have done it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. For me, my family came first. I found something without travel because, my daughter needed her mama more than I needed that job. I also needed to be with my daughter during that crucial time period.

Well, one of my best "mommy" friends is a stay at home dad. His wife works with my husband (military doctors) and they deal with deployments like anyone else. She loves her kids, but she is not the one there, which is just fine.

Consider hiring a nanny while you are traveling. There are many families that take this route. It is a big helping hand for dad while you are gone. Here are some tips on hiring a babysitter while traveling...http://tinyurl.com/ylsbryz