20 Thoughts Moms Have When Their Partners Are Away on Business

At home insemination

When my husband travels for work, my two little girls can’t help but announce it to anyone within earshot. The cashier at Target, the librarian, even the other parents at the park—they all hear about it.

They say it like this: “Daddy’s on vacation… I mean, business trip! Hahaha!”

And I’m left laughing nervously, a mix of amusement and a dash of anxiety. It’s one thing to share that dad is away, but there’s a whole world out there, and I can’t help but think about the implications.

Note to self: avoid posting “Hubby is away on business!!! Woo HOO!!” on social media.

Perhaps I sound paranoid, but that’s life when your partner is frequently away. To the potential intruders reading this: I have security sensors and alarms on every door and window. You’d be caught in seconds. The alarms are no joke; it would be like DEFCON FIVE in here if you tried anything.

I’ve got self-defense moves, and trust me, this mama bear isn’t to be trifled with.

Okay, I might be a bit on edge, but with a spouse who says “Sayanara!” for weeks, it’s hard not to be. I know I might come off as a little neurotic, maybe even a tad obsessive. I often wish I could take something to calm my nerves.

I sleep with my home security remote right next to my bed, fully aware of how to hit the panic button from my position. My car panic remote is only slightly north of it, ready to go. And yes, I check the stove multiple times before bed, repeating “off” like a mantra.

Here are the 20 thoughts that go through my mind as a mom with a traveling partner:

1. He’s dining at upscale restaurants, sipping on fancy cocktails and discussing serious topics. Meanwhile, I’m munching on Cheerios, discussing the latest episode of a kiddie show.
2. He’s off exploring exciting places and cultures while I’m stuck at Chuck E. Cheese for the umpteenth time. If he sends me a vacation selfie, I might just lose it.
3. He’s enjoying uninterrupted sleep in a plush hotel room while I’m squeezed between two little ones who have nightmares and do acrobatics in their sleep.
4. Surely, he must be cheating on me. Well, probably not, but the thought lingers.
5. Weekend trips to the park are torture, surrounded by happy families. Must avoid parks at all costs.
6. I place one pair of his shoes at the front and another at the back of the house, just to make it seem like someone’s home.
7. Is the alarm system functioning properly? I should check the fire alarms, too.
8. What activity can I find that will keep the kids occupied the longest? A three-hour playdate sounds appealing, even if I can’t stand the other kids.
9. Keep the vibrator stocked with fresh batteries.
10. Surrounded by little ones all day, yet I often feel lonely.
11. When he calls, I sound like a crazy person while he’s calm and collected. Best to avoid calls.
12. A break from bedtime stories would be a dream.
13. I carefully navigate the stairs, mindful that a fall would leave my kids alone.
14. The kids need to learn how to dial 9-1-1 on my phone.
15. Chewing carefully is a must; choking while alone with my kids is not an option.
16. Limit the wine intake; can’t get tipsy while being the solo parent. Two glasses max.
17. Shouldn’t marijuana be considered medicinal for moms?
18. Cooking dinner? Not happening. Frozen pizzas and takeout are completely acceptable.
19. I hope he brings back a cool souvenir or at least gives me a break from parenting when he returns.
20. When’s your next trip? You’ve been home for two days. Seriously, when’s your flight? I can drop you off at the airport.

Navigating life with a partner who travels frequently is tough. It can feel isolating and exhausting. If it weren’t challenging, there wouldn’t be support groups for it. Finding ways to stay connected with your partner, like through video calls or messages, is essential. Keeping the mantra “absence makes the heart grow fonder” in mind can help. And when all else fails, a little wine, chocolate, and reality TV can help ease the stress.

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Summary:

Moms with traveling partners often juggle feelings of loneliness and anxiety, all while trying to keep things together at home. From thoughts about their spouse’s glamorous business trips to ensuring safety at home, these women navigate a challenging but relatable experience. Finding ways to connect with their partners and keeping the household running smoothly is key to coping with this lifestyle.