Parent to Parent: Traveling for business

Paris. Greece. Hawaii. These may seem like great getaways, but for Karen Prange, it's all in a day's work.

Even though Karen and her husband, Eric, have different jobs, they both must travel for business.

Karen Prange, parent
"We sit down at the beginning of every month. Me with my blackberry and him, you know, with his palm pilot, and we talk about who's going to be traveling when."

But when they are out of town, Mom and Dad make sure to stay connected to their son and daughter.

Dr. Debbie Glasser, parenting expert
"You want to find ways to be in touch with your children, even during your absence. For example, phone calls or with older kids, e-mails or sending faxes to where their parents are."

7Parenting Expert, Dr. Debbie, says the key is communication.

When you're home, spend as much time together as possible. When you have to travel, make sure you tell your children where you're going, and how many days you'll be away.

Dr. Debbie Glasser, parenting expert
"Some parents think that they can just pack it up and go, and maybe if they don't make too big a deal of it, their kids might not be upset, but in fact that can be unsettling to many kids."

Then while you're gone, keep your kids on a consistent routine.

If you can't attend an after-school activity, try to have another family member there.

But above all else, take time to listen to their feelings, even if it's over the phone.

Karen Prange, parent
"My kids know that if they call me on my cell phone that I'll make every attempt that I can to step away, and I do do that."

Karen's fortunate to have her husband. He works from home a couple of days a week, plus he's a master chef in the kitchen. This way, when she's not working, she can work on being the best mother possible.

Karen Prange, parent
"I think that I'm a better parent because I have a career, and my 14-year-old doesn't remember if I missed her first word. What she remembers is I've got a mom who's a great role model for me."

And both kids wouldn't have it any other way. Byron Barnett 7News.

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