sorry, I am just going to cut and paste it here:
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When Mommy's miles away
IN BRIEF: If you are a working mom who travels, you're probably riddled with guilt. And although you've laid out schedules, cooked meals, orchestrated back-up plans and drilled emergency numbers into every family member's memory, you still have guilt gnawing at your conscience and impending goodbyes twisting your gut.
A few simple ideas can help your children (and your hubby!) get through those lonely and stressful days without you.
Prepare your family in advance. Don't spring it on them at the last minute. Tell your family, particularly your children, well in advance that you are going away for a while. If your children are very young, mark off the dates when you will be leaving and returning on a calendar. Also show them where you'll be going on a map or pictures of the place, and chat to them about what you will be doing there
Prepare meals in advance. As a child who had to eat greasy, corner-shop hamburgers for three days straight (barring breakfast, of course) while my mom had to go to hospital, I'm begging you: please prepare meals in advance and freeze them. Munching on mommy's meals will remind them of how much you love them, and won't put them off hamburgers for life!
Write everything down. Write down important arrangements, appointments, emergency names and numbers. Also make a copy of your itinerary and the name of the place you will be staying at, with the room and telephone number. Leave these documents in a central place and make sure everybody knows where to find it
Leave little love notes. These are great for husbands and children. Slip a little "I love you" or "I miss you" into a lunch box or under a pillow, it's always nice to hear
Keep in touch. Technology has made it so much easier to stay in touch. So use your cell to phone home or send an email. If you have a web-cam, you can even send a little virtual kiss. Alternatively, there are many free e-cards available online
Record yourself. This is particularly great for young children (and, once again, for husbands!). Record yourself reading your child's favourite bedtime story. Your child will love turning the pages to your voice while you're away. You could also leave little recorded (tape or video) messages for each day you'll be gone
Hide some treasures. Also great for the whole family. Hide some gifts, chocolates, notes or tapes before you go. Leave a treasure map or send hints via email or SMS. You could also give them hints when you talk to them on the phone
Make arrangements for important events. If you're going to miss an important event, make an arrangement to see it one way or another. Ask your husband to tape it for you, or request for example, that you go to a rehearsal or practice session
Ask your child to pack a personal reminder. Whether it's a drawing, a toy or a photo of the two of you together, your child will love the idea of packing something that will remind you that he or she is at home waiting for you. It will also make the hotel room a little warmer
Little reminders that you love them will make the time pass quicker. And if you've ever felt under-appreciated or haven't yet received that medal for being a doing-it-all mom, be assured that you will feel the appreciation the second you walk through the front door.