re: How do you break it to your kids when you have to go away for work?

SOME people in SOME neighborhoods seem to have no problem not seeing their kids

Don't talk about it beforehand. It will only cause anxiety.

Tell your wife to try to keep them busy and get their mind off the fact that you're gone. When they do miss you or when you're talking to them don't focus so much on the fact that you're gone and you miss them. Talk about their day and what they did, then when they bring up that they miss you just say that you will be home soon and you can't wait to see them again, then change the subject.

Even though you miss them like crazy you don't want to cause them anxiety. Kids are better at being distracted and not focusing on the fact that they miss you too.

ex wife, she has them half the time so it's not like they aren't used to going a few days without seeing Me, just not this far for this long, and they were a lot younger the last time.

They'll be okay. Just trying to spend some extra special time with them now.

If you feel bad about it, they will sense that something is wrong and think they should be sad you are leaving.

But if you are a man about it and are honest with them and tell them you will be going out of town for work, but will be back in a few weeks it will be easier on them. Don't be a pussy and be honest with them, that is all they need to grow up normal. If you lie to your kids or try tip toe around the truth, it will only make it worse.

I spent several years away from mine when they were younger. Email and later Skype helped, but honestly, the separations were a lot worse on me than them. Kids are incredibly resilient and just kind of move along with their lives.

What I didn't do, was make a big deal out of it before I left. That just gives everyone a countdown mentality and you aren't as able to enjoy your time.