Tactics for Parents Who Have a Traveling Spouse

Nothing can make married parents appreciate single parents more than when their spouses go out of town. Suddenly, every parenting job falls to one person, which can be overwhelming. Nothing will make this temporary single parenthood easy -- not that parenting is ever easy. But developing specific strategies can make this time easier.

  1. Routines

    • Even if you have the best, smoothest family routine in the world, it's bound to fall apart a bit when one of the participants is removed from the equation. So when a parent travels, you'll need to create a new routine. If one spouse always does the dishes while the other puts the kids to bed, accept that the dishes may not get done until the next morning while the dish-washing parent is away. Maybe this is the time to let dinners be more casual or to take the kids to that restaurant the traveling parent hates. This might also be the time to set up a shared duty situation with a friend or neighbor. Your friend can take her son and yours to basketball, while you take your daughter to volleyball. The best tactic is to have a "mommy or daddy is away" routine ready to go before your spouse leaves town.

    Preparation

    • It's not always possible, but the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests spending time preparing kids when a spouse goes out of town. Children may feel sad, angry or depressed about the trip, but acknowledging their feelings and explaining why the trip is necessary can help. This is also a good time for families to talk about how they'll keep in touch when mom or dad is away. Plan a good time for phone calls or video chat. Older kids might enjoy emails and texts as well.

    Relax

    • When your spouse is away, it is easy to feel the need to do it all yourself. But that's more likely to result in stressed out parents who aren't taking care of themselves, reminds the Milwaukee Moms. Do your best to get enough rest and to take a some time for yourself each day while your spouse is away. If you're used to having a night out with friends every week, try to get a baby-sitter so you can continue that even if your spouse is away. Taking care of yourself is especially important when you're the only adult in the house.

    Have Fun

    • Another tactic for parents with traveling spouses is to make those times when it's just you and the kids fun. Let each kid take a turn having a sleepover in your room, spend extra time at the playground, turn dinner into a picnic in the family room, make a special dessert, buy special toys or books or invite friends and their kids for dinner. You can even use these special activities as rewards for good behavior and cooperation, especially if your children are more likely to act out when your spouse is away.

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