Preparing for Mom to Go On a Trip

I have done more traveling this month than I have done in a long time…actually ever.  I have enjoyed my trips for blogging and T-Tapp, but it is quite hard leaving my family. Now I am preparing to leave for the Allume Conference.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder!

{Check out my sponsors who made the Allume Conference possible for me}

When Mom goes on a trip, she doesn’t just prepare for herself…it is for the whole family and can’t be left until the last minute. Although, it seems I am always running up against the clock. 🙂

What preparations should take place? It varies from family to family, depending on the circumstances.  Will the children being staying at home? With grandparents or friends?

If they are staying home, things will be a little simpler and not include extra packing. If they are staying elsewhere, packing for them needs to take place.

• Make a list of all that needs to be done, purchased and packed.
• Have all the laundry washed, folded and put away so all the drawers are well stocked, especially for younger children.
• Go grocery shopping and have enough food for snacks and simple meals.  Sometimes this includes frozen pizza, sandwich items, and more convenience food that we normally don’t eat.
• If I have time before I leave, I try to cook a few meals that can warmed.
• Post a list of prepared meals or frozen dishes and snacks that are available.
• Buy disposable plates and cups~ you will be glad for this when you return!
• Make sure household supplies are well-stocked, like toilet paper, detergent, soaps, etc…
• If there are appointments, leave a list with times and phone numbers.
• Pack at least 2 days before (if possible) so you aren’t up all night packing (I speak from experience on this~ an all-night packing marathon means you often forget things and makes you cranky for your trip)
• If your children are staying elsewhere, either provide snacks or leave money for meals. Pack the bags of each child.
• Leave insurance card and a note giving permission for them to seek medical care, if they are staying with someone other than their father.
• Leave a list of contact information for dentist, doctor, etc… along with any allergies they may have or list of medications or vitamins they may need.
• Try to have time to just “be” with your kids. I sometimes get so busy with preparations that I miss just being with and enjoying my kids before a trip. They just want you…especially when you are going to be gone for several days.
• Leave special notes ~ I always write a note/card for the boys for each day I am gone. They look forward to this. It is just a few lines saying hello, telling them how much I love them, reminding them to be good.  The boys love this and they surprised me on my last trip with a stack of cards for each day. It was so sweet!! They even included a few dollars here and there for snacks. It made my trip!!
• Sometimes I leave small gifts for them to open~ books, coloring books/crayons, small cars, board game. It depends how long I am going to be gone and how I am feeling before I leave. 🙂

For mom:

• Make a list of everything that is to be done for you and everyone else.
• Check your clothing situation so you are making a last minute shopping trip to find something to wear.
• Don’t forget all the phone chargers, etc…
• Pack healthy snacks that will keep you going.
• I always take essential oils to help for relaxation before bedtime and overall wellbeing on the plane and in the hotel room.
• Pack any vitamins or supplements that you need for your health.
• Take pictures of your family on your phone so you can show them off!
• Download your favorite music or books to read while on the plane, if flying.
• Take a deep breath and have fun!!

Preparing to go on a trip is a lot of work!  What suggestions do you have??