Returning home after work travel
My husband has been out of the country for 10 days, and he just got home.
He had a good trip, but we’re all glad he’s back, especially our middle son, age 11.
Neither one of us travels a whole lot for work, so when one of us is gone, it upsets the routine pretty significantly, so we try to minimize the impact as best we can by frequent phone calls, e-mails etc.
The fun part is welcoming the traveler home. However, even though it’s a good change, a return from a long trip can upset the temporary routine that’s been established at home, and it’s good to have a transition plan.
Around here, the day before the return everyone pitches in to clean the house to “surprise” the traveler. Though the house usually needs cleaning, it’s done more to disassemble the forts, “stores” and various toy deposits to signify a change in the status quo.
The next day, the kids make signs and decorate and make a cake or cookies. We also let them stay up a little late if the returning parent gets home after bedtime.
It’s simple, but fun, and, it gives the kids something to look forward to while they are counting the days until the traveling parent gets home. We even use the same routine when the kids are gone to camp, or are returning from vacation with friends etc.
Do you have a routine that helps things get back to normal after one parent has been away for work?
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1 opinion for Returning home after work travel
Jenni
Mar 27, 2008 at 3:21 am
What great tips. Your tips involve the children which makes them feel that they are fully part of what is going on, which is vital. It’s very easy for mum & dad to get fixated on each other after a separation and the kids are secondary. Great, really love the tips.
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