If you are anything like me then the idea of leaving your kids for some time and being separated from them just scares you. But there is a time in every parent’s life when you have to leave your kids for a while, for most cases usually due to a business obligation. Kids need us as the biggest source of support, love, and affection, but in order to fully support them, we also have to provide for them. To do that, for some of us the job or education will require to spend some time away from our kids, in a different country or maybe even across the globe.

It’s really scary and quite challenging to spend weeks or even months separated from your children and as I said, just the idea terrifies me.

Whether you go away due to a family issue, education purposes of its required by your job, it’ crucial and so important to stay in touch and make sure your little ones are doing great while you are not there.

We are our kids' biggest role model and the person they look up to the most. While we are not there someone else will easily become that parental figure (if the kid is not staying with remaining parent). That person will be the one whose views on life and whose presence your kids will be exposed to, so choose wisely. Make sure your kids are staying with the person you really trust, love and respect. It would be great if the person is the one with similar qualities like yourself, the person that respects and understands the ways you have with your kids and will strictly follow your rules and instructions when it comes to upbringing. I’m talking, of course, about pre-teens. I was a teenager so I know most of them would be more than happy to hear their parents will be away for a moment. Now let’s get back to our topic.

For most of the cases, you will be away due to business and we all know business can consume you and take you in so deeply and before you know it’s already too late to make a phone call and check on your kids. So make sure you make a window in your schedule to have a moment with your little ones. Make a note and set the alarm if you have to. Especially if you are across the globe and there is a big time difference. Also, try to make it a video call whenever you can and whenever you are able to. Your kids will always be excited to hear from you, but seeing you as well makes a huge difference. Kids love to feel your presence and technology can help us create that feeling, so use it to your advantage.

Before you go from home, hide cute little notes around the house. Put them in their pockets, schoolbags, hidden places and make a riddle or puzzle game for them to play so they can find notes or gifts you left for them. Kids love to play and that can have so much fun while playing your game. You can create the feeling they are actually spending quality time with you.

On the same note, let's talk about gifts. You can leave some presents at home to be handed to your kids or you can send some. Whatever you choose to do, giving your kids some form of gift every once in a while is a must. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be just a little thing you know your kid will appreciate. Toys are of course a big yes when it comes to kids. Their favorite dolls, superheroes or other cartoon characters you know your kid likes. If your kid really loves watching cartoons you can pick one of many cartoon-themed subscription boxes which can be delivered to them regularly. This is a great present if you are really short on time and you can’t go toy shopping.

One thing I love to do while I’m away is to give my kids tasks and assignments with drawing themes. My kids, like most of them, LOVE drawing so I give them a little homework with an idea of what they should draw. This is a great way to stay in touch with your kid’s emotions while you are not physically present. It’s also an amazing bonding exercise because you get to discuss their art next time you are on Skype of when you come back home. Many kids are also used to reading a bedtime story. My younger daughter loves Snow White and I read it with her every night. It’s a simple yet great idea to record yourself reading the story so it can be played to your kid by the remaining parent or carer. This is a fabulous way to stay in touch with your kid on a deeper level, especially with the young ones. They have a chance to hear from you and we all know a parent’s voice is a soothing force for every kid.

Get creative and find your own ways to make sure your kids are not missing you and you are not missing out. I hope some of my advice you find useful. Just remember, the more effort you give to spend time and stay in contact with your kids, the less “needy” they will be when you come back.

Love finds the way across the seas and high mountains. Show your kids you are here for them even when you are thousands of miles away.