There's no place like home

By Jessica

Since getting my promotion almost a year ago I have only had to travel once. This is mostly because I am still doing my old job, to a certain extent, as well as my new duties. Now I will start traveling a bit more. My old job duties will be fading into the abyss and the ability to travel will be available.

As I prepare to head out on my next travel experience, I am trying to coordinate how the household will run while I'm gone. I will only be gone for three days, but three days without my iron-clad rules could send the kingdom into anarchy. I am very lucky to have my mother-in-law and mother available to assist my husband with minding the children.

I know I'll spend those three days stressing about what is going on at home. Will he remember to have them brush their teeth and take a shower before bed? Will he remind the older one to make his lunch for the next day? Are they in bed at a reasonable hour? Will the older one and my husband get caught up in playing PS2 and not go to bed 'til midnight?  (This by the way has happened, but on a weekend.)

I do have a game plan on how to help things go more more smoothly while I am gone. I will lay out their clothes for the three days so that they do not attend school looking like vagabonds. I will leave a checklist of things that need to be completed each evening to insure that they do not smell or have rotting teeth. It is not that my husband is not responsible -- but let's face it, he is not the mom.

It will be easier for all of us once we have the "out of town" routine under our belts. Things will run like clockwork while I am gone and everyone will be pleased as punch. 

If you travel for work, what are your ideas for a smooth running ship while you are gone?  Is your husband/significant other able to handle things while you are away?  Do they children seem affected by your time away?