Business Travel as a Parent: 7 Simple Bedtime Strategies to Stay Connected

17 September 2025 | Travel Blogs

Travelling for work when you are a parent does not have to mean a disrupted bedtime for your children. With the right planning you can keep routines steady, reassure your child, and stay connected even while away.

1. Record Bedtime Stories Before You Travel

Reading together is a powerful bonding activity. Before you leave, record yourself reading your child’s favourite bedtime story. Caregivers can play the recording at bedtime so your child still hears your voice. For extra fun, record a few different books so there is some variety while you are away.

2. Schedule a Bedtime Video Call

If time zones allow, make bedtime the priority moment to connect. Even a short five minute call to say goodnight, share a story, or sing a lullaby can reassure your child. Keep it simple, predictable, and calm, so sleep time still feels like a routine rather than a distraction.

3. Leave a Comfort Object Behind

Children often sleep better with a tangible reminder of their parent. Leave behind something small, like a T shirt, scarf, or even a keyring, that smells like you. These comfort objects can make bedtime feel less lonely and help ease anxiety.

4. Coordinate with Caregivers

Whether it is your partner, a grandparent, or a babysitter, consistency is crucial. Share your child’s bedtime routine in detail, including the order of steps (bath, pyjamas, story, lights out). When caregivers follow the same rhythm, your child feels less unsettled by your absence.

5. Create a Visual Countdown

Young children often struggle to understand time. A simple countdown calendar helps them know when you will be home. They can cross off each day before bed, giving them something positive to focus on. For longer trips, stickers or small drawings can make the countdown more fun.

6. Send Bedtime Messages

If live calls are not possible due to time zones, send short video or audio clips they can play when they get into bed. A message like “Goodnight, sleep well, I love you” offers comfort and can become part of the nightly routine.

7. Reconnect Through a Special Bedtime Ritual When You Return

Children thrive on rituals, and creating a small “welcome home” bedtime tradition helps re establish connection. It could be reading a new book you brought from your trip or simply spending extra time cuddling before lights out. This reassures them that while travel takes you away, you always come back to them.

Final Thoughts

Business travel as a parent does not have to disrupt your child’s bedtime routine. With thoughtful planning, consistency, and a little creativity, you can still provide comfort and connection from afar. These simple strategies help your children feel safe and cared for while giving you peace of mind that bedtime is still a nurturing part of their day.

FAQs

How do I handle bedtime if I am in a very different time zone?

If a live call is not possible, send pre recorded video or audio messages timed for their night routine. Children appreciate the routine, even if it is not live.

What if my child refuses to sleep when I am away?

Keep other aspects of the sleep routine consistent, like bath and story time. A comfort object or recorded story can also help.

How can I make my return from a trip special without disrupting routines?

Introduce a small ritual, like reading a new storybook or having an extra cuddle but keep the overall bedtime routine steady.

Is it better to call at bedtime or earlier in the day?

If your call tends to overstimulate your child, try an earlier chat. Bedtime should be calm so use recordings or gentle goodnight messages instead.