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Tips for helping kids adjust to a parent who travels frequently for work?

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Stefan_85
Joined:
02.11.2024
Posts: 1224
Topic Starter
08.01.2025 23:14
My job requires me to fly out of state about three days every week, and I'm starting to notice my six-year-old is getting really anxious whenever I pull my suitcase out. It's becoming a bit of a struggle to say goodbye, and I feel terrible leaving them behind so often. I’ve tried video calls, but they don't seem to make the transition any easier for the little one. Does anyone have advice on how to make these departures less stressful or how to keep that connection strong while I'm away? I'd love to hear what has worked for other parents in similar situations.
16 replies in this topic
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Kaya_J
Joined:
13.02.2024
Posts: 1299
22.01.2025 12:59
My husband travels for work too, and we found that a visual countdown calendar helps a lot. It gives them a concrete sense of when you'll be back, which reduces that 'never-ending' anxiety.
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Oliviya_T
Joined:
29.10.2019
Posts: 733
28.01.2025 18:28
In reply to a previous post
That's a great idea! We do something similar with paper chains.
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Toni_M
Joined:
31.12.2022
Posts: 2382
22.03.2025 18:47
Have you tried leaving a small note or a little surprise in their lunchbox for the days you're gone? Sometimes just knowing you thought of them helps bridge the gap.
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Lori_N
Joined:
31.10.2021
Posts: 978
22.03.2025 22:42
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the note idea. I also leave a shirt that smells like me for my daughter to sleep with. It sounds silly, but it really calms her down at night.
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simon_v
Joined:
21.01.2020
Posts: 1196
08.04.2025 08:32
Six is a tough age for transitions. Honestly, keeping the goodbye short and sweet is usually better than drawing it out, even if it feels heartless at the time.
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Roman_88
Joined:
08.10.2023
Posts: 1292
28.06.2025 21:50
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree. Dragging out the goodbye just signals to the kid that there's a reason to be anxious.
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Martin_85
Joined:
13.09.2022
Posts: 1621
16.08.2025 05:40
Maybe try a special 'travel ritual'? Like a specific handshake or a silly song you only do right before you leave. It makes the departure feel a bit more predictable and less scary.
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NeZnamNoPisha
Joined:
09.03.2024
Posts: 128
08.09.2025 12:14
In reply to a previous post
We do a 'goodbye hug' sandwich where the other parent joins in. It makes it feel like a team effort rather than you abandoning them.
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otgovor_BG
Joined:
29.04.2020
Posts: 1548
11.09.2025 10:07
Video calls can actually make it harder for some kids because it highlights your absence. Maybe try sending a short video message they can watch whenever they want instead?
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NeZnamNoPisha
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27.02.2023
Posts: 1643
14.09.2025 21:00
In reply to a previous post
That's a really good point. My son used to get upset when I had to hang up the FaceTime call, so we switched to recorded clips.
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vesko_55
Joined:
23.12.2023
Posts: 2010
21.09.2025 20:09
Don't be too hard on yourself. Kids are resilient, and they will eventually get used to the routine. It's just a phase.
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Fari_P
Joined:
01.04.2021
Posts: 289
26.12.2025 23:36
I'm in the same boat. It never gets easy, but it does get more manageable once they understand your work schedule better.
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Znaesht
Joined:
01.02.2023
Posts: 260
25.02.2026 22:52
Have you thought about getting them a 'travel buddy' stuffed animal that goes on trips with you? You can take photos of the toy in different places and show them when you get back.
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Yulia_M
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31.12.2024
Posts: 1262
05.03.2026 10:00
In reply to a previous post
That's brilliant! I'm definitely going to try that next week.
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anonimen_bg
Joined:
01.09.2024
Posts: 1832
19.03.2026 14:11
Consistency is key. Try to have a 'welcome home' ritual too, so they have something exciting to look forward to when you return.
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Kaya_J
Joined:
23.06.2021
Posts: 1449
07.04.2026 07:12
In reply to a previous post
My kids love it when I bring home a small souvenir, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Even a cool rock or a postcard makes them feel included in my travels.

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