Okay, let’s be real—telling a three-year-old that Mommy is leaving for a week feels a little like explaining taxes to a puppy. Their tiny brains don’t fully grasp time yet, and their emotional range can go from “I’m totally fine” to “MY WORLD IS ENDING” in about 2.5 seconds.
But if you’re a working parent who has to travel, the guilt is real. I’ve been there—googling things like “Will my child forget me if I’m gone for a week?” (Spoiler: No, they won’t.) But a little preparation can go a long way in making the transition easier for both of you. Here’s what worked for us.
1. Start Talking About It Early (But Not Too Early)
Timing is everything. If you tell your toddler too far in advance, they’ll just spend days in a state of existential crisis. But springing it on them last minute? Cue the meltdown.
A few days before I left, I casually mentioned, “Mommy is going on a trip for work, but I’ll be back in X sleeps.” Since toddlers don’t do well with abstract time, I used a visual countdown—a paper chain where he got to rip off one link each morning. Bonus: It made him excited for my return instead of just sad about me leaving.
2. Keep the Goodbye Short and Sweet
This one is so hard, but trust me—long, emotional goodbyes make it worse. The first time I traveled for work, I made the mistake of hugging my son for like 15 minutes while repeatedly assuring him I’d be back. Big mistake. By the end, we were both crying, and my husband had to pry him off me.
Now, I keep it simple and upbeat:
➡ “Mommy loves you! I’ll see you soon! Have so much fun with Daddy/Grandma/Babysitter!”
And then? I leave. Even if they’re crying. Even if I’m crying inside. It’s rough, but they recover fast.
3. Set Up a Connection Plan
Technology is a lifesaver here. If your toddler is old enough for video calls, schedule quick FaceTime or WhatsApp chats. But here’s the trick: keep them short and positive.
I made the mistake of having a long, emotional video call once, and it backfired—he got super sad, refused to hang up, and then refused to go to bed. Now, I keep it light: “Hey buddy! Did you play outside today? Show me your favorite toy!” And I make sure to end with “I love you! I’ll call again soon!” before he even has time to protest.
4. Leave Behind Little Surprises
Since I knew he’d miss me, I left behind tiny surprises—think notes, small toys, or a pre-recorded bedtime story he could listen to each night. One of my favorites? A “Mommy’s Hug Jar”—a little jar filled with paper hearts that he could pick from each day, each one with a sweet message or drawing.
Simple? Yes. But kids love anything that feels special.
5. Prep the Caregiver (And Let Go of the Mom Guilt)
Leaving your toddler in someone else’s hands—even if it’s your partner, grandma, or the world’s most capable babysitter—can be stressful. Will they remember his favorite bedtime song? Will they cut his sandwiches into the right shape? (Because heaven forbid it’s triangles instead of squares.)
But here’s the thing: your toddler will be okay. Maybe routines will be a little off. Maybe they’ll eat chicken nuggets three nights in a row. Maybe bedtime won’t be exactly on time. But at the end of the day, they’ll be safe, loved, and excited to see you when you return.
6. Expect Some Clinginess When You Get Back
No matter how well the trip went, your toddler might be extra clingy when you return. This is normal! It’s their way of reconnecting after missing you.
I usually plan for a low-key day together when I get back—snuggles, storytime, maybe a trip to the park. And if they’re a little extra whiny or emotional? I remind myself that this is their way of saying “I missed you”—even if it’s through a full-on tantrum about the color of their socks.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your toddler for a work trip is tough, but with a little preparation (and a lot of deep breaths), it doesn’t have to be a disaster. Keep your goodbye short, give them ways to stay connected, and remind yourself that they will be fine.
And when you get back? Prepare for the biggest, squeeziest hug of your life. 💛
Have you had to leave your toddler for a trip? How did you handle it? Let’s swap tips in the comments! ⬇
Glow & Grow 
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