My husband travels frequently and is gone for a week or two at a time. We have four children under the age of eight. I have been trying to explain to him the impact that his traveling is having on our children, but he just gets defensive. He says I am blaming all our kids problems on him. I don’t want to blame him for anything.

Advice: When you talk to your husband, focus on how lonely and overwhelmed you feel while he is gone. Don’t use the kids to make him feel guilty; that will backfire.

Kids under nine need a nurturing, firm Mom. Kids this young pretty much feel about life and Dad the same way Mom feels. They are picking up on your vibes. A fun idea is show the kids a map and tell them where Dad is and what he is doing. You can pray for your husband, that God will keep him safe, etc. Ask your husband to call home each day and talk briefly with each kid and Mom. That seems to help. And kids love gifts – nothing expensive, just little things to say “I was thinking about you.” For more help parenting solo, I’d suggest that you order the Love & Logic Parenting audio, Helicopters, Drill Sergeants and Consultants.