From across the room, my 4-year old son, Luke yelled "NOT ANOTHER SNOWSTORM!!" You know we've had too much snow when even a 4 year old snow-lover says enough! Sure, snowstorms can be exciting: the anticipation when you can nearly smell the snow, the sense of wonder watching the snow fall outside the windows, the thrill when Luke and Emma go outside to sled and make snowmen. But, when your job is forecasting the weather, blockbuster winter storms are like a business trip for me away from my family. I say goodbye, check into a hotel near work, and ride out the storm in front of our television audience. My children can watch me on TV and the web, I can call occasionally, but I don't get to kiss and hug them, tuck them into bed or cuddle them. I'm certainly not feeling bad for myself. I'm not alone. Many working parents are called away from home for business trips. It's hard not to feel guilty. But parenting experts say there are a lot of easy ways to stay connected to your children when work takes you away from home.
This one is a no-brainer: Call as often as possible. During last week's winter storm, I called home during commercial breaks. Luke and Emma were watching our storm coverage and even asked me what I did with a snowball that I created while broadcasting outdoors (I made two, gave one to Rick and one to Monica.) Calling at bedtime to sing a favorite lullaby or tell a bedtime story can also help ease your child's anxiety when you are away.
If your children have a concept of time, let them know when you will be coming home and let them know an activity you will get to do with them when you return. It gives youngsters something to look forward to.
Let your spouse plan a surprise with your children for you when you return. Greg had Luke and Emma make a family of snowmen on our front yard to greet me when I finally got home. They kids were so amused that I like their surprise.
Finally, for your spouse handing all the responsibilities at home, consider getting extra help. Recruit the help of a family member or babysitter to give your spouse a break. It will make it easier on your kids if their parent is not feeling overwhelmed. And, when you DO, get home, take over the care of your little ones so your spouse and get some much-needed "alone time."
And remember, as guilty and lonely as you may feel away from home, the shouts of joys, kisses and hugs bestowed upon you when you return makes it all worth it. Happy parenting!
~Cecily
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