Hey, hey Tuesday!
You guys, I was looking through my list of “popular blog topics” that I always keep based on your ideas and well, this one here was high on the list!
I’ve broken down my keys/tips for Prepping for a Trip and also for Returning from a Trip, and today, I’m going to share my 12 Keys for LEAVING KIDDOS WHEN YOU TRAVEL.
I am going to specifically apply my tips for when Andrew and I go on a vacation together and the kiddos stay home with their grandparents, but of course, this might look different at your house. Maybe you’re going on a business trip, maybe your sister is watching them/a babysitter/the neighbor/etc, your situation will probably look a bit different than mine at times, but I feel like most of these tips will work regardless of the specifics. These are just legit the things I do to make life easier for both the grandparents and my kiddos when we’re away, and they’re staying at our house (it’s different when they stay at the grandparents’ house). A system we’ve edited/changed/perfected over the last 14+ years.
Here we go (in no particular order):
my 12 KEYS FOR LEAVING KIDDOS WHEN YOU TRAVEL:
1: I make a list on my phone and print out a copy too.
Above is a screenshot of what I do (obviously, I add the details though). I open the Notes app on my phone, create a detailed note including the days and times and then I share the note with Andrew to add/edit as well and then, I share it with the grandparents and now my older kids who also have phones. This way, we can all view it/add/edit as needed. Plus, I always print out a hard copy too to have at the house. I get super specific too. I add times they should be awake/go to sleep/take medication (make sure you have refilled before you go!)/leave for school/I include addresses of places grandparents might not be familiar with (friend’s houses, cheer class, etc) and dinner options for each day too. It’s all right there in one note.
2: I do all of the laundry before we leave.
I do this for several reasons. I do all of the laundry to help myself out upon my return (less to do after my trip) but also to help out the kids (they have everything they need and it’s clean) and then also, the grandparents don’t have to do any. It’s not easy getting packed and doing allllll the laundry, but it’s always the way to do things in our house.
3: We board the dogs.
I feel like it’s already a lot to ask grandparents to watch four children, so I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to watch four children and three dogs. So, when Andrew and I go on vacation, we board the dogs. During the school year, my kids are gone 8+ hours each day, so that’s a lot of time the grandparents can use for resting, chilling out, leaving the house to shop/enjoy/relax, so I don’t want them to have to be in charge of three dogs too. I just think it makes things easier, and between you and me, they’ve never asked for the dogs to stay which tells me they’re happy to be dog-free 😉 .
4: We buy groceries in advance.
Andrew and I always make sure we leave all of the groceries the kids and grandparents need while we’re away. We buy things like milk, coffee, creamer, bread, peanut butter, etc so that hopefully, they have everything they need in our pantry/fridge for their visit.
5: We make sure they have garage remotes/codes/WIFI passwords, etc.
We give ’em all the deets.
6: I find drivers for activities.
Four kids going twelve different directions isn’t super simple for grandparents that don’t know the area very well. I try to line up as many rides/carpools/drivers as possible to simplify things for them.
7: I create a nice space for the grandparents.
I always make sure the bedding is freshly laundered, the closet has room for their belongs, they have plenty of fresh towels, a few new magazines and a tidy and clean bathroom to nest while we’re away.
8: I leave out a credit card.
We have very, very generous grandparents, but I always want to make sure to leave them with a credit card too.
9: We simplify the kids’ schedules.
I try really hard to simplify the kids’ schedules while we’re away. This might not be the time for that extra playdate/etc. Not only does it just cause more chaos for the grandparents, but it also takes time away from them getting to hang with the kids too…which they always enjoy. As much as I can, I simplify the schedule.
10: I set out and label the kids’ clothes.
I used to do this for the big kids, but obviously now, I just do it for the littles. Before I leave, I pull out one outfit plus undies for each day and leave it on the girls’ dresser along with a Post-It note that has the date. This way, they always know what to wear each day (certain days, they need certain things), and it’s one less early morning stressor for the kids or the grandparents.
11: I change the housekeeper’s day.
We have a wonderful woman that helps us keep our house tidy every week, and when she can, we’ll change her day to the day the grandparents leave. This makes things so much easier for them as they don’t feel responsible for cleaning up their space/tidying the kitchen/etc. I know all of them would (and do when it’s not an option), but after watching my four kiddos and chauffeuring them around, I always think it’s nice when they don’t also feel like they have to clean up one last time before we return home.
12: I notify the school.
I always make sure I let my kids’ school know when other people will be picking them up/dropping them off. Should there ever be an issue/illness/injury, I want everyone to have the right phone numbers, names and contact info.
Those are my 12 keys/tips/ideas things I do when leaving the kiddos at home with the grandparents when we travel!
Okay, what did I forget?!
What are some things you do to make things simpler when you leave your kiddos? I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW!
Don’t forget, you can also catch my…
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday! I can’t wait to read the comment section! I am positive you guys have some awesome ideas.
I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Just now starting to have kiddos with daily medication and I loved the reminder of making sure to refill before you head out! Definitely tucking that one away for next time we go out of town
Elspeth Mizner says
I love the idea of boarding the dogs, one less thing to worry about!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lauren says
Thank you for posting this! My kids are still little and it feels like a lot to ask the grandparents to watch multiple littles for a whole weekend. Do you feel it gets easier on the grandparents once they are a certain age?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh the grandparents tell us all the time how much easier it is now! Ha! They loved watching the kids when they were younger but now my mom says it feels like “a vacation”. Ha! The kids are all gone during the day and then when they’re home, they’re all so independent (waking up on their own, getting themselves dressed, cleaning up after themselves, etc). It gets so much easier once they’re school age.
Liz Blackwood says
Thank you, Shay. Great list! Here’s another important thing to have on hand — a signed/notarized medical power of attorney, in case of a medical emergency.
Lindsay Stuebe says
Yes – we do this each time, especially if we’re leaving the country and it will be difficult to get back. We also learned the pediatrician won’t accept the notarized medical power of attorney and have their own form that must be completed so we have that as well.
Bonnie Butler says
I always like to leave health insurance cards, doctor phone numbers, etc!
Sarah nienhuis says
Not content related, but is your blog posting later now? I’m a 5:00 am reader and I’ve been missing drinking my coffee with you. Lol
Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, it says it posted at the exact same time today on my end. I’m not sure why you didn’t see it. Please let me know if it happens again!!
Kaylee F says
I have noticed this as well, but on my end it just shows the emails are sent later. When I wake up and haven’t received the email yet, I just go straight to your blog and it’s usually there already.
Maria says
I’ve noticed this too. I read it 6am EST with my coffee and it wasn’t there today or yesterday.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well darn, I’m going to reach out to my IT friend now!
Sarah nienhuis says
Monday and Tuesday went up later but today it’s back to normal!!! Thank you! Enjoying my coffee with you right now lol
Mix and Match Mama says
Whew! I asked my IT friend to take a look. I’m so happy it’s fixed!
Kacey says
Maybe related?.. I always read through when I get the email each day and about 2 months ago I started getting the emails around 9 instead of 8am.
Mix and Match Mama says
Now, that I did change. Do you prefer to get them earlier? I would love to know!
Erinn Lauchner says
I love getting them super early! 🙂 you’re the first place I go when I sit down with my coffee…and I’ve noticed it’s been later recently too
Amber says
Same! I check I around 5:30 and no post!
Kari Bazan says
This was such a helpful post! I have followed you for the last six years or so and still enjoy reading your posts every morning. ☺️ I thought of a question recently that I would love you to address when you have the time. My children are 8, 6, 4 and 2. When we go out to eat and travel, nearby or internationally, it can be a challenge to keep everyone occupied at times. When your children were younger, what were your top tips? These might include things like how do you go out to eat successfully? How do you host adults while still having children around? What are your best activities or places you buy things to occupy your littles? Thank you in advance for considering this question. Thankful for this fun space that you’ve created! ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this blog post idea, Kari!!! I’m going to write it down!
Ashley Adams says
I would also love this topic! My boys are 4 and 8 and sometimes dinner out, entertaining at home, road trips and travel are a breeze. And well sometimes not. I’m looking for activities for our road trip to the beach next month!
Mary says
Thanks Shay! This is a topic I’ve been looking forward to hearing your great ideas about! It’s so difficult to cancel all the sports/activities/practices when going away, but like your suggestion to just try to “simplify” as much as possible. 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
We don’t cancel sports/practices, but I do try and eliminated extra play dates and if I can, I’ll move around other non-essential things that aren’t necessary. For sports, grandparents take or we carpool (or a combo!).
Molly says
Former nanny here! When I would stay with kiddos while parents were out of town, I would always request a signed & notarized medical note that granted me permission to take them to the emergency room, etc. This, along with copies of insurance cards, was so helpful in one unfortunate situation with a broken arm at summer camp. Of course, I contacted the parents throughout the whole thing, but it definitely made the process more smooth to already have that information in place. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Molly!!!! Yes, yes!!
Megan Perkins says
I don’t have children but this is such a great list! It sounds so organized and easy for everyone and I love the idea about boarding the dogs!
Therese says
I do a lot of what you just stated above. I would add I leave all insurance cards, key doctor (pediatrician and hospital) information. I also do a notarized document specifically granting the person(s) (grandparent, aunt/uncle, and/or babysitter) the right to seek medical care and make other emergency decisions for the child with the specific dates. Thankfully, that’s never once had to be used but I always leave it just in case. I’m not an attorney but I was raised by one! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!! I love this!!
Rachel K says
When I go out of town, I make sure to leave a signed letter stating the grandparents responsible for my children during that timeframe are authorized to seek medical attention if necessary. I learned the hard way how to authorize someone other than a parent to take my kid to urgent care!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! Great catch! We have those two for the grandparents. I totally should have remembered that! Thank YOU!
Lilly says
Your dad is a riot….. happy for him 😂.
Your kids have PHONES NOW???????? Move 😂.
What great tips these are.
Stoleson Monica says
Thank you so much! Leaving my kids for a trip to California and I’m anxious it. These are all so great! 💞
Caitlin LeMaster says
Love these tips! Would you mind sharing where the green shirts your wore yesterday were from?
Mix and Match Mama says
https://shopstyle.it/l/bV4l0 they’re sold out of green, but it’s still available in two other colors!
Karen says
Love these tips! One of our marriage goals is to start getting away more just the two of us! In regards to the meals they eat while you are away — do you have meals ready to go that they can just pull out and heat up? Or do you leave a list of suggested meals with all of the ingredients ready for them to cook? Or maybe take out is easiest! Just curious how you meal plan when you’re out of town!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always ask the grandparents what they want to do. Typically, it’s a mix of they want ingredients to make easy things (like tacos) and they want freedom to go out and eat or order pizza. Since none of our parents live in McKinney, there are certain places they love to dine as it’s a treat being from out of town.
Carolyn says
I always left my parents with an “Emergency Authorization for Medical Care” document that they could keep in their car/wallet. Also a list phone numbers and contacts for neighbors, friends, doctors, etc.
Sheaffer says
Great tips!
Katy says
Any tips for the mom guilt of leaving the kids for more than a night?? Maybe it’s because I have a 2.5 year old, but not only do I feel bad leaving him for more than 1 night (because I miss him!) but I also feel bad asking my parents to watch him (even though I know they LOVE it)
Emily Creal says
My husband and I are leaving our 5 kids tonight for the longest time ever (7days) and having so much anxiety over it. This post was just what I needed!! Thank you!
MK says
It might be because we are a military family and are used to doing these a lot, but we also get a Power of Attorney for the grandparents when they watch if we are not going to be in driving distance to get back quickly. You never know if an emergency is going to come up and they need it. We also make sure at least one of the grandparents sitting is on all of the emergency contact/authorized person forms for school, doctors office, etc. I even did this for our dog when we were out of the country! ha!
Tina says
Children’s medical / dental insurance cards, numbers and addresses for doctors, dentists, urgent care, hospital. Just in case!
Lynne Thomas says
I would leave a medical release form for the care taker with the specific dates they will watch kids. That way if medical treatment is needed it can get started right away while trying to reach me.
Sara Mayo says
You are amazing!!! You think of everything!!! Excellent list!!! Thank you
Amanda says
this is all so incredibly thoughtful and loving. I’m sure the grandparents appreciate this so much!!
Julie Harris says
My kids are 16, 14 and 10 now, so much more self-sufficient than they used to be. The grandparents now come so that I don’t have to kennel the dogs!! I have lazy Bassett Hounds, so I *think* they enjoy the cuddle time with them on the couch, but I’m sure not going to ask….;-)
Great tips, thanks.
Tiff says
Do you also leave notes for things like plant watering schedules, or do you have a neighbor help out with that?
Mix and Match Mama says
We *try* really hard not to make this the grandparents’ problem too. We use our sprinkler system plus drip lines…and we make this a responsibility of the kiddos.
Chrissy Ciaverilla says
Hi Shay! This list is SO helpful and makes me really excited for how manageable this sounds when my kids (almost 3, almost 1) are a bit bigger. I’d love to know sometime more about traveling away from (or with) toddlers!
Jennibell says
For those asking for tips on how to keep kids occupied….teach them to play cards! Mine are 19, 20, 22, and 24 now and they ALL always have a deck of cards with them…they are versatile, can be played with 1 or many people, ageless, generally quiet, and just good for the brain.
These were all great tips (and how nice that you board the dogs!). “Back in the day” I had notebooks with all of this stuff – electronics have made communication so much easier. “Favorite foods” were always listed too…with four it’s hard to keep track of all of that stuff. I’m sure this is always a special time for everyone and now I look forward to the day that I can do this for my kiddos 🙂
Colleen says
Great list! Adding to it, especially for those with littles, that you can have a folder/binder prepared with your kiddos’ routines, meds, dr info and accessible anytime. I would pull out the binder for babysitter date nights as well as grandparents caretaking. I would just add specific information if I was away (sports, etc) a certain time. I have had multiple emergencies occur, including having a child with food allergies, so having a central consistent source of info gave me some peace of mind should someone have to care for the children suddenly. I’m also a teacher by trade so my brain thinks of it as “sub plans!”
SS says
We do all of these things too when we leave except the maid scheduling – brilliant! honestly, it makes me happy too, b/c I hate coming home to a disaster of a home. Our grandparents aren’t able to watch our kids so we have an awesome sitter who is like a grandma to them and this would be such a gift to her and us (especially since she is very not tidy – ha!) 🙂
Anna Jones says
These are amazing and super helpful!!! Thanks!
Kathy W says
We only have one grandchild that we take care of, but whether we fly to CO or she flies to stay with us in OR, our daughter always gives us a permission slip, signed by both parents, to make medical decisions for our granddaughter in case of an emergency. They also include a copy of her insurance card.
Gina Mayfield says
I travel some for work and to help my husband out I try to prepare as many of the lunchboxes as possible – one less thing he has to do.