Traveling Tips for New Parents
Client: US Website
Ghostwriting
When you’re a new parent, it really is a Herculean task to be away from your newborn baby even for just a few days. Having spent every single day taking care of your new baby, your own life suddenly becomes not yours alone. In every waking moment, you will find yourself constantly doing normal, everyday chores with your baby’s well-being in mind.
Traveling is often a challenge to most parents with young kids, particularly moms. However, if you really to go on a trip and be away from your newborn child for a few days, weeks, or months, here are some tips on how to survive being a traveling parent.
First of all, you have to accept that it is okay to leave.
At the very thought of leaving your child for a few days, you will automatically feel hardcore guilt. The kind that just rips your heart into tiny pieces that break into more tiny pieces. But you’re just human. Accept that fact that as a parent, you need to do things that you can’t just put off. If you’re traveling for work, of course, you need to go so you can provide for your family. If you’re traveling for leisure, remind yourself that it is okay to take that much-needed break once in a while. Being away can even help you put things in perspective.
Acknowledge your emotions.
Once you’ve accepted the fact that it is okay to be away from your child for a few days, acknowledge the outpouring of emotions, like sadness and longing. It is okay to be sad when you’re away from your loved one. Cry if you need to. It is definitely better than holding it all inside.
Be present even when you’re not there physical.
Tape a photo of you on the wall. Clip your photo on your baby’s crib. Leave a shirt with your favorite scent beside your baby. These small items will leave a mark on your child’s life and will remind him that you are going to be with him/her soon. Try to call and even Skype when necessary. Be involved. With today’s technology, it’s not impossible to stay connected even when you’re miles away.
Bring photos with you.
When you have a baby, your phone will probably be filled with selfies of your newborn child. And that’s okay because when you’re away, you can just open your phone and browse through the many photos of your child. Sure, it will just make you miss him/her more but it will also remind you that you need to do what needs to be done so you can go home soon.
Trust your family members.
If you’re leaving your child with your parents, trust that they will take care of your baby as if he/she is their own. They have been through this routine when you were just a baby. Your baby is in good hands. While you and your parents have different ways of handling a child, talk to them and let them know about your preferences and dislikes. Trust that they will honor your choices. Communication is the key.
Drive to the airport with your baby and spouse.
While many women think that it is better not to drive to the airport with their baby in the car, having them with you until the last possible minute is actually better. Just imagine spending the next few days or months away from them. Therefore, make the most out of every single minute that you can spend with them.
Find a good nanny.
While it is hard to find a good nanny these days, if you’re lucky enough to do so, trust that she will take good care of your little one. Communication and trust play a big role in making this setup work.
Be grateful.
Show your gratitude to people who take good care of your loved one in your absence. If you have a good nanny, pay her well and give incentives like gift certificates to her favorite store or a nice meal at her favorite local restaurant. These small gifts leave a mark on people, particularly people who are not family by blood. And they do go a long way.
Remember, caregivers have lives too.
If you’re a working parent and your nanny suddenly calls saying that she couldn’t make it because of a personal emergency, do not blow your top. It is advisable to have at least a backup nanny or a family member who is ready and willing to lend a hand during days like this one. Remember that these employed caregivers have their own families to take care of, not just your own.
Find time. Be techie.
Despite your work schedule and jetlags, find time to call and chat with them. Download an app that will monitor the time difference so you can make your calls when it is most convenient to them. If your children are young, they might be asleep by the time you connect overseas. Make sure of the many apps and technology we have these days.
Buy them a souvenir.
During your stay away, you might come across things that will remind you of your child. This often causes guilt and homesickness but instead of focusing on the negative aspects of it, try to focus on the positive one: longing. Instead of feeling bad, go ahead and buy an item that you feel you child will appreciate. Bring home a souvenir.
In the beginning, you will feel gut-wrenching guilt about having to leave your child for weeks or months. But focus on the positive results that may come out of your trip: bigger pay, a time to relax and re-align; and an intense longing that will only strengthen your love. It won’t be crappy forever. Soon you will learn on how to adjust in being a traveling parent. And of course, eventually, your child will be able to join you on your trips. So make each moment count.
Ghostwriting
When you’re a new parent, it really is a Herculean task to be away from your newborn baby even for just a few days. Having spent every single day taking care of your new baby, your own life suddenly becomes not yours alone. In every waking moment, you will find yourself constantly doing normal, everyday chores with your baby’s well-being in mind.
Traveling is often a challenge to most parents with young kids, particularly moms. However, if you really to go on a trip and be away from your newborn child for a few days, weeks, or months, here are some tips on how to survive being a traveling parent.
First of all, you have to accept that it is okay to leave.
At the very thought of leaving your child for a few days, you will automatically feel hardcore guilt. The kind that just rips your heart into tiny pieces that break into more tiny pieces. But you’re just human. Accept that fact that as a parent, you need to do things that you can’t just put off. If you’re traveling for work, of course, you need to go so you can provide for your family. If you’re traveling for leisure, remind yourself that it is okay to take that much-needed break once in a while. Being away can even help you put things in perspective.
Acknowledge your emotions.
Once you’ve accepted the fact that it is okay to be away from your child for a few days, acknowledge the outpouring of emotions, like sadness and longing. It is okay to be sad when you’re away from your loved one. Cry if you need to. It is definitely better than holding it all inside.
Be present even when you’re not there physical.
Tape a photo of you on the wall. Clip your photo on your baby’s crib. Leave a shirt with your favorite scent beside your baby. These small items will leave a mark on your child’s life and will remind him that you are going to be with him/her soon. Try to call and even Skype when necessary. Be involved. With today’s technology, it’s not impossible to stay connected even when you’re miles away.
Bring photos with you.
When you have a baby, your phone will probably be filled with selfies of your newborn child. And that’s okay because when you’re away, you can just open your phone and browse through the many photos of your child. Sure, it will just make you miss him/her more but it will also remind you that you need to do what needs to be done so you can go home soon.
Trust your family members.
If you’re leaving your child with your parents, trust that they will take care of your baby as if he/she is their own. They have been through this routine when you were just a baby. Your baby is in good hands. While you and your parents have different ways of handling a child, talk to them and let them know about your preferences and dislikes. Trust that they will honor your choices. Communication is the key.
Drive to the airport with your baby and spouse.
While many women think that it is better not to drive to the airport with their baby in the car, having them with you until the last possible minute is actually better. Just imagine spending the next few days or months away from them. Therefore, make the most out of every single minute that you can spend with them.
Find a good nanny.
While it is hard to find a good nanny these days, if you’re lucky enough to do so, trust that she will take good care of your little one. Communication and trust play a big role in making this setup work.
Be grateful.
Show your gratitude to people who take good care of your loved one in your absence. If you have a good nanny, pay her well and give incentives like gift certificates to her favorite store or a nice meal at her favorite local restaurant. These small gifts leave a mark on people, particularly people who are not family by blood. And they do go a long way.
Remember, caregivers have lives too.
If you’re a working parent and your nanny suddenly calls saying that she couldn’t make it because of a personal emergency, do not blow your top. It is advisable to have at least a backup nanny or a family member who is ready and willing to lend a hand during days like this one. Remember that these employed caregivers have their own families to take care of, not just your own.
Find time. Be techie.
Despite your work schedule and jetlags, find time to call and chat with them. Download an app that will monitor the time difference so you can make your calls when it is most convenient to them. If your children are young, they might be asleep by the time you connect overseas. Make sure of the many apps and technology we have these days.
Buy them a souvenir.
During your stay away, you might come across things that will remind you of your child. This often causes guilt and homesickness but instead of focusing on the negative aspects of it, try to focus on the positive one: longing. Instead of feeling bad, go ahead and buy an item that you feel you child will appreciate. Bring home a souvenir.
In the beginning, you will feel gut-wrenching guilt about having to leave your child for weeks or months. But focus on the positive results that may come out of your trip: bigger pay, a time to relax and re-align; and an intense longing that will only strengthen your love. It won’t be crappy forever. Soon you will learn on how to adjust in being a traveling parent. And of course, eventually, your child will be able to join you on your trips. So make each moment count.
