Traveling Without Kids

Important things to leave done:

After 7 years I am finally taking a short trip with my husband to celebrate out 10 year wedding anniversary. As much as I need it, I have to tell you, my anxiety is through the roof, I am definitely holding my breath. I want to make sure I leave my kids with everything they need and leave everything settled in case there is an emergency. What do I mean? Well, I need to make sure the care giver A.K.A. my sister in law, knows all there allergies, medications, doctors, insurance information, past medical history, you name it. Then there is the pets, who will care for them? Their schedule, food, fears and everything else that they are accustomed to. Then there is my house, who will house sit? Can someone check up on it? And, of course packing for myself and the kids since they will be away from home. Even though they are with family, they need appropriate clothing, shoes, hair supplies, sanitary things, etc. And last, I need to pack for myself and make sure all my documents are in place and that I am taking all my essentials. With that being said, I am EXHAUSTED! With all this in mind how do I make sure the most important things are taken care of? Since the kids are my number one priority, I make a list of all the things that I need to leave done, here they are, hope it helps:

• Leave a power of attorney for any medical decisions that need to be made for the kids if you are not available. I got mine from: https://www.lawdepot.com/   (make sure to get it notarized)
• Make copies of their insurance cards
• Leave a list of any allergies, medications and names of their regular physicians.
• If they will be out for 4 days I make a list for 2 different outfits a day, a set of PJ’s and 2 underwear a day (always pack a sweater and a pair of socks) just in case.
• Make sure you always put in at least one dressy outfit for a nice dinner.
• Of course, hair brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, Qtips, baby wipes, soap. For my teenager I pack pads, tampons and Midol as well.
• I like to try to send them a little emergency kit with: (Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, nasal spray, Benadryl and Neosporin)
• If they have a schedule for their extracurricular activities I leave that as well.
• Lastly, I give the care giver all the contact phone number for myself and other family members, along with the address to where I will be.

Once, all of this is done, then I can start packing. I definitely have anxiety in leaving my kids, even if it’s for a short while. It’s crazy how you program yourself and everything is such a routine that the thought of breaking it makes me hyperventilate. Thank god for good family and friends who talk me through it! My favorite comments were, “you need a break, you will come back a better mommy”, “you deserve it”, and finally, “you need to nourish your marriage too.” And, it’s all very true, I need to practice what I preach. I will definitely be sharing with you my trip and how it all went down. Pray for me! #imawreck