Summary:

Take one child at a time, and no other adults should come.

The best time to start taking your child overseas is when they are between seven and ten.

It doesn’t have to be overseas or interstate – the next town will do.

Stay overnight if possible.

Workmates rarely complain if you bring your children along.

Plan the trip with your child.

Work out your expectations and theirs in advance.

Don’t worry about taking them out of school: these trips are useful educationally.

The trip will have a positive impact on their learning overall.

During your work trip, do some non-work things together.

Take your child to the conference.

Stay with friends along the way – it’s a good way to combine work and fun.

Make and maintain the memories – make a video, take photos, keep a journal.

Idea for action: Plan where and how you might take each of your children with you – just you – on a trip when they are old enough.

My dad was my best role model. We were very close and we had a lot in common, particularly football. Dad and I would go to the football when I was a kid and, when I was playing football, he was there for me every week. Dad was never pushy and didn’t
want any of the reflected glory or anything. When I was a league coach I noticed lots of dads having a second go through their sons. Dad wasn’t like that. -Dennis Cometti

I value the extended family we have. It’s a great environment for me. Sometimes the input I get from the family is helpful, but not always. I find it an important source of information but you need to be discerning, and don’t just take it all on board without thinking about it. If I think it is true I embrace it, but if I don’t I leave it alone. -Patrick Gangemi

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