A last minute business trip has been planned. You’re rushing around the house, getting your things in order when your youngest child looks up at you and says, “Mommy, please don’t go”. It breaks your heart and renders you speechless. It’s days like this that you question your life decisions.

Leaving the children at home can be the most difficult part of being a working mom. Especially when you have to attend business trips that take you away from home for extended periods of time. How can you deal with this? How can you make your children understand?

First of all, you need to be honest. Sit with your children and explain to them why mommy works. Explain to them that the money you earn places food on the table and buy new clothes for them to wear to school. Tell them why you love your job. If they are old enough to understand, explain the value of independence and strength. Most importantly, tell them how much you love them and that they are the most important part of your life.

If you are travelling to another country tell them a bit about the history and culture. This will also give you reason to do some research which in turn may help you on the trip. Depending on their age, you can even get them to do their own research or draw pictures of how they think the place will look.

Take a lot of pictures and keep a daily journal. Documenting your trips can be done anywhere but works best when you are travelling to a another country. Make sure to take pictures of strange signs and to bring back some foreign currency. Let your children know that as soon as you get back, you will sit down with them and share your adventure.

Although you may have a busy schedule, try setting up a time where you can talk online using webcam. If use of a webcam isn’t possible, daily phone calls can be just as good. Try phoning at the same time each day so your children have something to look forward to.

When you get home make a scrapbook together. Keep a large scrapbook that you can add pictures to after all your business trips. Your children will love sitting with you and hearing your stories and seeing pictures.

Remember no matter how hard you try, there will be times when you children won’t understand why you are leaving. Be strong and try your best to keep them involved. The key is to making sure they know how much they are loved. As long as your love is made obvious their understanding will grow as they become older.