Traveling Without Your Child

Leaving your child at home while you travel may be a frightening and stressful prospect if you've never done it before — and even if you have!

But you can prepare your child before you leave so that both of you can feel more comfortable.

Are Kids Ready?

Kids' readiness to stay at home depends largely on their age. Separation anxiety is common among kids between 6 months and 2 years old. For them, comfort is vital. Make sure they'll feel comfortable with a babysitter while you're gone and keep their normal daily routines going. If possible, it's better for kids at this stage to stay in their own home while parents are away rather than at someone else's house.

Preschoolers might not understand why a parent is leaving, may worry that they've done something wrong to cause it, and may think that the separation is punishment. So it's important to assure them that this isn't the case and to explain the reason for a trip in terms they understand.

Often, preschoolers will react to a parent's departure by regressing to younger behaviors, such as whining or asking for a bottle. If your child reacts that way, a reminder from you that the behavior is not appropriate and that you won't change your travel plans can be effective.

School-age kids might more directly show their feelings of sadness or anger about a parent's departure. Kids ages 6 to 8 may feel comforted by something of yours to keep close while you're gone.

Older kids may seem extra-moody about a parent's departure and act angry one moment and clingy the next. So consider scheduling activities to engage them while you're gone. It's important to reassure them that you'll miss them, too, and that you trust that the babysitter will take good care of them.

If your kids are teenagers, they may not feel like they even need a babysitter while you are traveling. If you also have younger children, you can explain that the caregiver is there because of them and ask your teen to help the babysitter look after the younger kids while you are gone.

If you have only a teen and are not comfortable with leaving him or her alone, it is important to convey your concerns and to explain why you feel more comfortable having someone else in the house.

If you do decide to leave your teen alone, establish clear rules for the time that you're away. And it's a good idea to have a friend or neighbor look in on your child while you're gone.

Preparing the Caregiver

If possible, try to have the person caring for your child visit before you leave. This will help your child be more comfortable with that person and your plans to go away. It's also a chance to review the house rules, your child's daily routines, and other important issues with the caregiver.

Things to cover:

• proper use of the car seat
• tips for comforting your child
• babyproofing or childproofing measures that are taken in your home
• rules your child follows with strangers
• the layout of your house and neighborhood
• what to do in the event of a fire, including information on where the fire extinguishers and the fire detectors are in the house
• what to do in the event of a medical emergency, including where and how to reach you at all times
• a list of important phone numbers (see "Leaving a Paper Trail" below)
• a record of your child's allergies, medications, vaccinations, and medical history
• where to find a flashlight and spare batteries
• your travel itinerary, including times when you might be unreachable

Also consider leaving these with the caregiver: