WASHINGTON — You’ve got the back-to-school routine down pat — now what? For many working moms and dads, it’s time to tackle what will more than likely throw a curveball at fall schedules packed with sports practices, afterschool meetings and piles of homework: the business trip.
Leaving kids behind during the school year is a challenge — whether it’s for one night or one week. But unlike parents 20 years ago, modern parents can be there for their kids while away, even if not physically.
Parenting expert and ModernMom.com blogger Leslie Morgan Steiner has a few tips when it comes to parenting effectively on the road.
“I say the most important tool that you take with you is a sense of humor because parenthood is a comedy, and the parenting books never tell you this,” she says.
The second? Technology.
“[Technology] allows me and other parents to be at work, or on a business trip, and with kids at the same moment. It’s actually pretty amazing,” Steiner says.
She likes to keep in touch with her kids using Facetime, Google Hangouts and Skype. She says it’s important to read their body language in addition to hearing their voices when checking in on their days.
Countless times, Steiner says she’s been on the road and has had to help with science homework or school projects. One of her “unsung heroes” when the kids call for help, she says, is a set of really good headphones.
“Because some of these conversations go for so long and I need my hands free to do the math.”
She says often times she can even keep up with her kids’ assignments while traveling for business, since many teachers post homework online. But Steiner says it’s less about parents making themselves available to do homework, and more about making themselves available to offer support.
“I am all for letting my kids do their homework, but I think it’s great to communicate to them that I am always there for them,” Steiner says. And letting her kids see how much she values her work while on the road is an important lesson for the kids, too.
“My life doesn’t revolve around them. And if they work hard in school, too, one day they’ll be able to take a great business trip as well.”
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