Spring Breack Plans

By Maria Bailey

My worst fears became reality today. Now, before you worry about the health of my children, let me assure you everyone is fine and well. In fact, they are eagerly packing their bags for their first trip to Southern California, which explains the source of my anxiety.

I had been worried about Spring Break since January knowing that my three older children would be out of school for ten long, "what are we going to do?" days. Taking time off from work was a definite must, but I've always had a problem with taking time off unless I have somewhere to go. Why take time off and stay at home with your e-mail shouting your name and closets begging to be organized? Perhaps, I know better than most that you work a lot harder staying at home with four bored children than going to the office. So, I began last month calling beach hotels and overnight getaways. Unfortunately, my children are not the only ones out of school so is every other child in the United States. This supply and demand phenomenon allows hotels to hike rates so high that only families flying to Florida from the snowy North would pay them.

My lack of creative ideas led me to convince myself that perhaps I was just imagining the necessity of creating fun for my young spring breakers. I could live with that thought. It was all in my mind and the kids will find ways to entertain themselves for ten days. Great, no more guilt until one of them asks the inevitable, "Mom, what are we going to do for Spring Break?" "I'm working on it," rolled off my lips. Now what? I'd just have to do what mom's do best: wing it. Take a few days off, plan a trip or two to the beach down the street, maybe even catch a movie or two.

But then it happened: A mandatory business trip to Southern California. Now, most sane people would never consider taking three children along with them on a business trip, but for me it was a solution to my Spring Break dilemma. I began planning immediately.

Secretly, I made arrangements to spend a day at Disneyland and Legoland knowing that the latter is a place that they have long wished to visit. I just couldn't wait to tell them. To maximize the pleasure I'd receive announcing our Spring Break plan, I sat them all down in front of map of the United States. I carefully planned my delivery. I announced that I had the bad news of telling them that I had to go to L.A. for a business but the good news was they were coming with me. I then took them on a virtual tour of each of our destinations over the Internet. My plan was met with the excitement I had anticipated.

So, what's the problem you ask? It's how they shared their excitement with their friends. Later that afternoon while sitting at the beach, I heard my 7-year-old son boast about his Spring Break plans. While I expected him to gloat about a trip to Legoland or a day at Disneyland or at the fact that he was going across the United States to California, however he had other things in mind. As his buddy waited for an answer to "what are you doing for Spring break," my son proudly and excitedly answered, "we're going on a business trip." It was confirmation that my family thinks business travel is fun for mommy. Can you think of anything further from the truth? Packing your bags to leave your family for the sake of company business?

And what about all the great plans I'd made? Of all the fantastic destinations and activities, going on a business trip was what lit his flame. My story clearly illustrates how much our actions are interpreted by our children whether we think they are watching or not. I hope his interest in going on a business trip is a credit to the pleasure he sees me receive from my career.

As working mothers, it is so important to realize we are forming the work ethics and personal motivation our children will carry with them in their careers. Remember, they are always watching and listening.

Have a great week and stayed tuned for next week's recap of our trip to California. Three children and one mom traveling across the U.S., is certain to produce a few items for my next column.

Share your thoughts on our message board or email Maria.

Also see:
• Week Thirty-One -- Importance of a Support System
• Week Thirty -- Life is good
• Week Twenty-nine -- My nine year anniversary
• Week Twenty-Eight --Does birth order matter?
• Week Twenty-Seven -- Things we take for granted
• Week Twenty-Six -- My youngest turned two
• Week Twenty-Five -- Losing someone you love
• Week Twenty-Four -- Where's the romance in Valentine's Day?
• Week Twenty-Three -- The call I've been waiting for
• Week Twenty-Two -- Where did the weekend go?
• Week Twenty-One -- Business trip challenges
• Week Twenty -- Girl Scout cookie time
• Week Nineteen -- Thoughts on motherhood
• More diary entries

Maria Bailey is the CEO and founder of BlueSuitMom.com and a mother of four children under the age of seven.