Traveling Parent connects with Carolyn Graham, Editor of L.A. Parent and a business traveling parent.

Soon after my first son was born, I noticed that no matter where I was, being a “business traveling parent” meant that I had at least one meaningful connection I could make with any other business traveling parent.

Our kids, jobs, and life experiences were different, but the stories we exchanged where reassuring because the emotions we have for our children are universal and instantly recognizable. We're at home, away from home, when we talk about our children.

Documenting those differences, similarities and emotions from business traveling parents across the globe is what this feature is about.  

Thanks to Carolyn for sharing her experiences.

How many nights a month are you away from the kids?

For me, it greatly varies. I'll go months and months without traveling then will have to be away a couple of times in a month. As a parenting and family travel writer, I'm often lucky that I get to take my kids along.

What is the one special routine you have to keep you connected with the kids while you're traveling?

Naturally, I try to call, but that can be tough to hang to a set schedule.  And my kids don't seem to really need that. My own routine is that I try to think about them as I fall asleep at night. And I love the homecoming part!

Describe your feelings about being a business traveling parent? 

I love to travel, and while a do a whole lot less of it these days (due to deadlines and other obligations), I always saw it as an enrichment that I pass along to my kids, rather than seeing it as something that denies them my time. That might just be justification, but it works for me. And I think guilt sucks.

What will your kids remember about you as a business traveling parent?

Again, don't do it as much as I did when they were really little, but I think having a parent who loves to go places will infuse them with the same spirit.

About Carolyn, in her own words...

I'm the editor of L.A. Parent, a publication dedicated to providing resources for families in the Southland. I also write a blog called "I Don't Have Time for This" at LAParent.com. I live with my husband of 18 years, our two kiddos (8 and 4), and a loveable mutt named Olive (she often gives me more guilt about leaving than my kids do!). My first love is travel writing (I did that for 10 years before taking a full-time gig at LAP), so I do that as often as I can ­ and bring my kids whenever possible!

Do you have a story to share?  Please let us know by sending an email to stories@travelingparent.com.

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