Work Trips Are Hard – Here’s How We Made It Easier For Everyone At Home

When I learned I’d be traveling to Tennessee for work, my first thought was about my family. Should we turn it into a family trip, or would it be better for my wife and daughter to stay home? Either way, logistics needed careful planning. I had a similar work trip the previous year, but our daughter was still a baby, so they both stayed home. This time, we made the same decision as the chaos of flight travel with a toddler didn’t sound the most appealing. Now, our once crawling-only baby is a lively toddler who runs wherever her heart desires, which means my wife would have her hands full back in Oregon. So, we focused not only on what I needed for my trip but also on ensuring my wife and daughter were set up for success during my absence. Other than missing them dearly over the four nights I was away, everything went as smoothly as possible. Here’s how we prepared everyone for a successful week.    

First, we recognized that sticking too closely to a rigid schedule for our toddler would only complicate things. She already follows a normal, age-appropriate routine, and we wanted to keep that as consistent as possible to ensure smoother days. That said, we made sure she had plenty of engaging activities to stay entertained. My wife set up a water-sensory table and oversized flashcards, which our daughter loved. Since our toddler is starting to enjoy dancing, my wife also created a playlist with everything from Sesame Street songs to upbeat folk music to keep her moving. Boredom is an essential tool for child development. It was also utilized while I was out of town for work. However, too much boredom can put unnecessary pressure on the parent staying with the kids. 

Toddlers can struggle when a parent is out of town for work. So, because of this, we enlisted our daughter’s grandma to stay a night at our house. Grandparents bring a special kind of excitement that helps ease the absence of a parent who is away for a few nights. Her presence was a huge help, keeping our daughter entertained and assisting with household tasks, making time easier. I highly recommend having a trusted family member or friend stop by to support the solo parent—it makes a big difference. Our loved ones are invaluable in moments like these. It also adds a fun sense of excitement for the little ones. Our toddler knew that dad was away for work for a few nights, but it also meant she got extra quality grandparent time.    

In our home, we often aim to “set each other up for success.” To do this, we took several practical steps. First, we did a large grocery haul to ensure we had more than enough food, avoiding any last-minute store runs. We also cleaned the house thoroughly—having a tidy kitchen with no dirty dishes gave everyone a fresh start. Laundry, an endless task with a toddler, was another focus; staying on top of it reduced my wife’s chore load. The day before I left, I filled the car with gas, which was one less thing for my wife to worry about. These small actions helped set the stage for a smooth week. We also did a low-pressure countdown for a couple of weeks before I left for my work trip. One of the ways we did this was to tell our daughter that I was going on a work trip for “Four nights. And my plane takes off in 8 days.” This method helps children to remember and acclimate to one of their parents being away for a few days. Another helpful tool is to show your kids pictures of the city you are going to. This creates a valuable connection for your business trip. 

While I was away, my wife took on the family responsibilities, and our teamwork mindset made all the difference. We always strive to support each other, which helps us navigate challenges like these. I missed my family terribly, but thankfully, these trips are rare. Daily FaceTime calls kept us connected, as it is a valuable piece of modern-day technology. As I write this while on my flight back to Oregon, I am reflecting on how my career serves a purpose beyond myself. It supports my family, and while being away is hard, it’s all for them. I’m incredibly grateful to my wife, who keeps our home running seamlessly, even when I am gone for work. The last thing I will mention is to bring back something fun for your children from the cities you have travelled to for work. Most people, especially children, love gifts. It is also a beautiful reward for them for being on their best behavior when you were away. Work trips are necessary for some households, and it is important to remember that they are an important, positive thing for your family.