Pack the PowerPoint, Papers... and Pampers

Bringing kids on a business trip? Use these tips to stay sane and productive while having fun away from home!

Traveling with children is often referred to as an "art" or "skill," but no matter what you call it, it can be hard work. You're used to juggling your career and parenthood, but taking the kids on the road can give a whole new meaning to the word "demanding."

Uncooperative sippy cups, crying on the plane and poor planning can leave even the savviest mom wishing she'd entered a convent. Even so, those nerve-racking moments can be outweighed by the benefits of having your child or children with you on a business trip. Think of this as an occasion to spend quality time with your kids while providing them with a whole new learning experience.

What Kids Get Out of It

A business trip gives your children the chance to learn about a new place and more importantly, about you. They will have the opportunity to see the professional side of you that they don't usually get to see at home and they'll gain a better understanding of what you do and how you do it. This extra dimension to your relationship will help strengthen the bond you share with your kids.

Talk to Your Boss First

Even if your boss is super family-oriented with eight kids of her own, you should have a brief chat with her about your desire to bring your kids on the business trip. If nothing else, it's good etiquette and a sign of respect. Besides, the last thing you want is to create the tension that may arise if you bring your little ones and the boss hears about it from your chatty coworker instead of directly from you.

Honestly Reflect

Before committing to taking your kids on a business trip, there are a few things you need to consider:

• Are your kids used to following instructions without a lot of complaining?
• Can they be patient with small hiccups (such as a delayed flight, change in hotel room, etc.)?
• Will the weather be nice enough to have fun?
• Are your kids dependent on a routine? Will a late meal be the end of the world?
• Will I be able to spend time with my kids and still get enough work done?

Recognize Your Business Obligations

Remember, this is still a business trip, and not only will your days be packed with seminars, meetings and more, but you'll probably be required to attend some evening social functions as well. You are going to need help! Luckily, care options are not hard to find.

Care Options Away From Home

Hotels often have contacts with local agencies and day cares that you can choose from, and may run special kids' clubs in which you can enroll your kids. And Sittercity sitters are available nationwide, so don't forget that you can contact Customer Service about adding a free, temporary ZIP code to your account while you're out of your local area.

Added Benefit of Local Care

A local sitter, hotel sitter or kids' club program will help you rest easy knowing that your children are not only in good hands, but hands that will know just where to take them to keep them amused. A local sitter or hotel sitter will have extensive knowledge of all the good parks, museums, kid-friendly restaurants and events in her hometown. It's usually a good idea to have a tentative agenda ready for your sitter, but leave some blocks of time open for fun local activities you may not have heard about.

Prepare for the Trip

Your business trip will most likely be stressful under any circumstances. Bringing your kids along will definitely add some fuel to this fire, so make sure to leave prepared. We all know that kids can be finicky about unfamiliar foods. Bring along an emergency kit of their favorite snacks and save them for crunch time. It might also be a good idea to pack some favorite toys, not only to entertain the children, but to remind them of home as well.

Do a Little Hotel Research

Since more and more hotels are realizing the value of catering to kids, you may want to call and ask them if they do anything special to accommodate children. They will then be able to tell you about any children's programs or hotel sitters they can provide, and they may even be able to put some standard baby gear in your hotel room so you don't have to try lugging that massive, must-have, cures-all-crying baby swing.

Make the Kids a Part of the Process

If you have some spare time to spend with your kids, it's also worthwhile to have an open dialogue on what they would like to see and do. Have them do some research on the city you'll be visiting and choose a few activities they can do with your or a sitter. Letting your child make the decision will not only get them excited about the trip, but also help boost their self-confidence. Also encourage them to tell their teachers where they'll be going and ask about the possibility of sharing some aspects of the trip with the class when they return.

Be Optimistic!

Try not to stress out too much. With the right help and preparation, this trip will be FUN. Who knows... it may go so well, you'll find yourself extending the trip to unwind after your stressful workweek. We suggest that you don't try to pack the local sitter in your suitcase when headed back, no matter how much you like her. We'll help you find another when you get back home, promise!