20 Thoughts Moms Have When Their Partners Are Away on Business

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When my husband, Mark, heads out for work, my two young daughters can’t help but share the news with everyone they encounter. From the grocery store cashier to the other parents at the park, they announce it to the world: “Daddy’s on vacation… I mean, business trip! Hahahaha!”

As I chuckle at their innocent Freudian slip, a twinge of anxiety creeps in. After all, broadcasting that a father is away can feel like an open invitation for mischief. Note to self: skip the social media updates like “Hubby’s off on business!!! Woo HOO!!”

Call me paranoid, but that’s just the reality of having a partner who travels frequently. And to anyone lurking, let me assure you: my home is equipped with an array of alarms and sensors. You’d be caught faster than you can say “intruder alert.”

I may come off as a little anxious or overly cautious. It’s just that when my spouse says “goodbye” for weeks, I feel the need to be prepared. I keep my home security remote next to my bed, always aware of the panic button’s precise location—30 degrees from my fingertips, just so.

20 Thoughts That Swirl Through the Minds of Moms with Traveling Partners

1. He’s dining at upscale restaurants and sipping on craft cocktails while discussing current events. Meanwhile, I’m stuck munching on leftover Cheerios and talking about the latest episode of Paw Patrol.
2. He’s exploring new cities and cultures. I’m repeating “Chuck E. Cheese” like a broken record. If he sends me a selfie with a landmark, I’m going to lose it.
3. He’s sleeping soundly in a hotel bed while I’m tossing and turning, sandwiched between two kids who have nightmares every five minutes.
4. I can’t shake the thought: is he cheating on me? Probably not, but still, you know.
5. Weekends at the park are excruciating. Happy families are everywhere, reminding me that I’m flying solo.
6. I place Mark’s shoes at the front and back doors as a makeshift deterrent for any potential intruders.
7. I can’t help but wonder if the alarm system is functioning properly. Oh, and the fire alarms? Time for a test.
8. What activity can I find that will keep the kids busy the longest? Art class is an hour, but a playdate down the street could stretch to three. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
9. Stock up on batteries for the vibrator. They can be lifesavers.
10. I’m surrounded by children all day but still feel utterly alone.
11. Mark, please don’t call—your calm voice just reminds me how crazy I sound with the kids screaming in the background.
12. I need a break from bedtime stories. A vacation from this chaos sounds great right about now.
13. Walking down the stairs feels like a tightrope act. If I fall, who will take care of the kids?
14. Teaching the kids how to dial 9-1-1 on my phone is a must.
15. Chewing carefully is a new skill—I can’t risk choking while it’s just me.
16. I need to tone down the wine consumption. One or two glasses is my limit.
17. Shouldn’t there be medicinal marijuana for moms? It would be a game changer.
18. Cooking dinner? Not happening. Frozen pizza and takeout are my culinary masterpieces right now.
19. I hope to receive a fantastic souvenir or, at the very least, a day off when Mark returns.
20. When’s your next trip, Mark? Seriously, I could use a little space already.

Life with a traveling partner can be challenging. It’s isolating and exhausting. If it weren’t tough, there wouldn’t be support groups dedicated to it. Finding creative ways to connect with your spouse, like sexy video calls or G-rated chats with the kids, can foster closeness. Embracing the idea that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” will help you through the tough days. And when all else fails, there’s plenty of wine, chocolate, and reality TV to distract from the chaos.

For more insights into parenting challenges, you might enjoy reading about dealing with pregnancy-related issues in our other blog posts. Also, if you’re considering family planning options, check out reputable retailers like Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits, or visit NHS for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Moms with traveling partners often juggle feelings of loneliness and anxiety during their absence. From reminiscing about fancy dinners to contemplating the chaos of bedtime, these thoughts reflect the challenges of solo parenting. Finding creative ways to stay connected and embracing support resources can help ease the strain of distance while indulging in some much-needed self-care.