An excerpt from our Yahoo parent group of strategies to stay connected to your children while traveling.
I'm going on a trip this Saturday and will be away from Blue
for about nine
days. I fear it being hard on him and wonder if there's anything others have
done to make time away from very attached sons/daughters easier for the kids
(and of course, for the absent parent…)?
So far I've heard get him a present he can open with his mom each day you're
away. Any others? Thanks! – Philip
We love to use Skype. That way Blue can hear you and see you. –Pamela Martin
I've been away from Oliver for several long stretches. I
always make him a small photo album with pics from our life and pics of where I
am going to be.. And absolutely Skype is the best! -Barbara Dugan
I've
been away from Aidan many times. I created a little book for him and put
photos in it with we're I am going. I wrote about why I was going and how
long I would be away. (Jory read him the book many times while I was
away). I said that I would be coming back and that "each
night Daddy and you can check off the day from the calendar so you will know
when I'll return." Yoli gave Aidan the opportunity to write letters
to me in school. Also— the Owl Babies is a lovely
book. A bit young for these guys but still it gets across the fact that
moms DO return. Of course, I spoke with Aidan on the phone often,
too. The coming home often can be tricky— he might get mad at you
just at the point you want to give him a big kiss. Good luck and let me
know if I can help in any way. -Deirdre Higgins
Thanks for all the suggestions–much better than
presents! I've combined a lot
of the thinking and am working on a series of daily letters Blue can open up
with Michelle while I'm gone. They'll show him what I'm doing, and ask him
about
what he's doing and remind him of what I'm looking forward to doing with him
when I get home…all while counting down the days till I return. It's been
really fun. I may have to go away more often!
I really do hugely appreciate all the great ideas and support! -Philip