I'm A Single Dad Who Travels A Lot For Work. Here's How I Stay Connected To My Kids

As a single dad who travels nearly 20 days a month for work, quality time with my kids is everything. When I tell people how much I'm on the road away from my kids, and they wonder how I maintain such a strong relationship with them, my answer is always simple: quality time.

I'm certainly no parenting expert, and I'm not the perfect parent. But if you were to ask my two daughters, ages 9 and 12, if they know how much their dad loves them, they would be able to tell you affirmatively.

I love camping with my daughters, not only because it's inexpensive but because it creates such incredible moments. I remember nearly every camping trip we've gone on together, and my kids can too, because they've left such an indelible impression upon us all. Nothing replaces the conversations around the fire, looking at the stars together, watching my girls burn marshmallows for their s'mores, and the stories that we tell in the tent while trying to fall asleep.

While I love music, and my girls and I spend plenty of time singing and dancing in the car while I drive, some of the best conversations have come up organically just from having some silence in the car. It allows my daughters to have calm, clear minds and gives them space to be able to talk about whatever's on their mind.

I'm not an amazing chef by any means, but I have a couple of plant-based dishes that my daughters love. Their mom isn't vegan like I am, which means at my house I have to try extra hard to cook extra delicious plant-based meals that they can get excited about.

Ask yourself what you received for the holidays last year and chances are you don't even remember. But now ask yourself what your last trip was and you could likely give a detailed recap!

For the past several years, I've completely stopped getting my kids gifts in the form of "stuff." Stuff includes anything from clothes to gadgets, toys, games, and electronics. While there's certainly nothing wrong with giving your kids things that they really need, I've found that being a professional memory creator as a parent is far more awesome. Time is the most valuable gift we can give our kids. They'll remember the day you took them hiking, paddle boarding, skiing, sledding, or on a mini vacation or staycation much longer than they'll appreciate any toy.

Implementing even just one or two of these ideas can greatly enhance your quality time with your kids. Just ask the question, "How can I be a professional experience creator with my kids?" You'll find that even with a busy schedule and limited time you can have an exceptional relationship with your kids.