Being a working mom is a job for a multitasking, no-nonsense woman!
You will have to wear many hats, including mother, colleague, boss, and friend. Balancing budgets, strategy meetings, and kids’ schedules all before lunch is no simple task.
For a working mom needing to travel to Toronto, things get more complicated – but that is no problem when you follow these five tips below:
- Prepare Your Family
Share your trip details with your family and explain where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you will be back.
Tell your children about your travel plans in advance so they can take the time they need to prepare for your physical absence. Social media and video calling have made it possible to stay in touch digitally, but they need time to wrap their heads around the concept – particularly if you will be gone for a few weeks.
Before you leave, ensure all essential items are packed, your children know who to contact in an emergency, and have all school documents signed and slotted into school backpacks.
- Parenting Plan
Have a parenting plan in place to enable consistent routines for your children and to ensure that after-school schedules are prioritized.
A parenting plan will allow you to prepare for challenges while you are away and have a backup plan if the original plans do not work.
Consider hiring a childcare professional if the workload is too much for the parent staying behind or if you are a single mother or going through a divorce.
- Advanced Bookings
Corporate rentals are far more comfortable than hotel rooms.
They will help make you feel more at home than a hotel or motel room. Find furnished rentals in Downtown Toronto for short-term visits, these offer privacy and the comforts of home – including a living room, a place to work and catch up on emails, and a kitchen to prepare home-cooked meals, should you choose.
Book your rental in advance to secure a spot near transport systems and your company’s Toronto office.
- Stay Healthy
Take extra precautions during your business trip to stay healthy and feel energized.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are all entry points for germs and bacteria. Keep wet wipes and sanitizer handy during your travels to minimize your risk of getting sick.
The last thing any busy mom wants is to come home and make her children sick.
Lastly, stay hydrated and eat healthy meals while you are away. It is easy to fall into the fast-food trap, and while many business lunches will make this harder, choose nutritious options whenever possible.
- Communicate Regularly
Mom guilt is a tough subject and one that is impossible to avoid when you are trying to raise a family and have a career.
Modern technology has made staying in touch with family much simpler. Communicate regularly with your partner and children to provide reassurance.
Schedule daily calls to help maintain an emotional connection and reduce feelings of guilt and homesickness while you are away. Consider the time difference between home and Toronto when scheduling.
In Conclusion
Being a working mom takes a lot of planning and support. Being able to visit new places and try new things is fun, but being on the road takes practice – especially when the glamor fades and you are missing your toddler.
Follow these five tips so everything goes smoothly!
