Boardroom to Bedtime Stories: A Travel Mom's Guide

Quite recently, I had to travel outside of my city for work. I was going to be away for a couple of days for an important work trip I couldn't miss. It was also a great opportunity to meet with all of my team members in person, most of whom I had only seen through screens since joining the company.

It was summer, and I was super excited about this wonderful opportunity. Apart from work, I was going to see another city for the first time in several years. The excitement of seeing my colleagues in person, exchanging hugs and laughter, and making memories from the many pictures I had envisioned kept me dreaming for days, and finally, that day was here!

When my manager informed us about the upcoming trip, he expected to see the usual me jumping with excitement, given that I was one of the team members who pioneered this idea of us all meeting together. However, when the actual time came, I was struck by the reality of motherhood.

Questions instantly flooded my mind: What was I going to do with my daughter? I didn't have the option of leaving her behind as there were no overnight daycare centers that would keep her continuously past 24 hours. I knew I had to take her with me, but how was I going to keep her in the conference room all day while my team was strategically discussing work, without causing distractions? My team was open to the idea of me bringing my child along, but I knew we could only go a few minutes without getting distracted. I had to think of a better plan.

Respite Worker!

Yes! This was the biggest savior of the moment. About a month prior to the work trip, I started making calls in the city where I would be traveling. I searched on Google and found a long list of respite workers near the office. After checking availability and pricing, I settled on one respite worker who was available for the hours I needed and charged a reasonable rate.

We had several discussions over the phone about pickup and drop-off points, mutual expectations, my child's needs, and potential activities, and we signed the contract before I packed my bags. On the day of pickup, the respite worker arrived at our meeting point ahead of time – impressive! After completing the necessary checks, I handed over my child.

Throughout the day, she sent me photos of my daughter happily playing with other kids. At drop-off, she provided receipts for all their activities for reimbursement. My daughter had already bonded with her and looked happy. I was delighted knowing that I had managed this arrangement successfully. The team meeting proceeded without interruptions, allowing me to focus on work and bond with my colleagues while having peace of mind about my child's safety.

Having a professional I could rely on to care for my child while working in a different city gave me immense relief! This is what respite workers do – they provide the break you need by taking excellent care of your loved one while you attend to other important tasks. Whether you need personal time or need to focus on work temporarily, they ensure proper care for your loved one. With their specialized training in caring for families with varying needs, you can trust your ward will be in safe hands.

Their flexibility is another advantage – they can provide care at home, at the office, at parks, anywhere! You can trust them to keep your child happy and safe, whether at home or during outings to places your child would enjoy. Trust, proper planning, and effective communication are key when engaging a respite worker's services. Ask all the necessary questions upfront to ensure a smooth experience.

In conclusion, while finding good childcare support while pursuing your ambitions can be challenging, help is available. A respite worker can be an excellent solution when you need professional, reliable support for your child.