7 Tips for Preparing to Leave your Kiddos while at #BlogHer

BLAST FROM THE PAST POST:  I wrote this post last year as I was getting ready to head out to BlogHer.  I thought I would re-post it for those of you struggling with leaving your kiddos as you head off for some fun.

Hope you can use a couple of the ideas.

I had no idea the amount of time and energy that would go into preparing for a two day conference like BlogHer.  It has been amazing to see all the tweets, blog posts and helpful hints popping up all over the place.  I know I have really appreciated reading and learning from them.

However, more than worrying about what parties to attend, what to pack or what shoes to wear with what dress, I am stressed out of my mind about leaving my children at home.  I try to tell myself that I am being silly and they will be fine, but I have never left them for 5 days EVER!  Therefore, I have been trying to think of fun ways to not only comfort them, but myself as well.

Here are a few ideas I have come up with to make sure the kids and I both not only survive, but do well with our time apart.  I hope at least one or two of these ideas will help another mom or kiddo deal better with their time away from each other too.

1.  Go to the store and purchase a little something that you know your kids would enjoy.  Wrap it and leave it for the caregiver (in my case, my hubby) to give them once you have left.   It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something to let them know you were thinking about them.

2.  While you are at the store, purchase a greeting card for the kids.  Get it all ready to go and mail it from the airport before you board your plane.  All airports have mailboxes in the terminals, so just drop it and go.  One of my kids and I’s daily routines is to walk to the mailbox and check the mail.  I think they will love getting something from mom to make them feel special.

3.  Record a short video of yourself using your computer webcam.  I was out of town for 3 days once and I did this before I left.  The kids loved watching the video whenever they were missing me.  It can be just a short mommy loves you type of thing, but it will mean the world to your little ones.

4.  Purchase a gift card to the kids favorite restaurant and dessert stop.  Leave a note attached that says tonight dinner and dessert are on mommy, ENJOY.  I know my kids will probably enjoy not having to eat whatever their daddy would cook at home.   Although, he is the master of mac n’ cheese.

5.  Make sure you have a smartphone along with you so your kids can do facetime when they are really wanting mom.  Seeing your face will make them feel so much better and you will feel happier too.

6.  Pack one of your kiddos favorite bedtime stories along with you.  At least one night while you are away, call them and read it to them before bed.  They will love feeling like you are there to tuck them in.

7.  Lastly, have the person caring for your children keep them busy.  Time flies when you are having fun, right?  We will all be back home in no time catching up on the snuggles we missed so much.

I know I am not the only one trying to figure out ways to stay sane while being apart from their family.  What are some ideas you have for being strong while you are away?