Is this like deployment books for kids?

It shares the same idea as deployment books for kids: the parent is away, the child stays connected and the reunion is certain. But it is made for shorter trips, like a few days of work travel, and your child is the main character, with their name and a grown-up you choose. The story comes narrated.

Does the story say when the parent comes back?

Yes. The time apart is short and concrete, and the reunion is certain, so the story ends with the happy return or with your child knowing exactly when it will be. Missing the parent is allowed; the story shows that feeling alongside the plan, never as something to hide.

Story for kids when a parent travels, starring your child

Create a story

Your child’s name

A grown-up who helps (optional)

Any extra details to add?

Anything to avoid? (optional)

Optional — leave out monsters, getting lost, separation, loud surprises, or anything they don't want tonight.

The story is written and narrated in :

Narrator voice:

Every everyday challenge story is about 3 minutes long.

Who's listening?

The small step in this story

Your child chooses one way to stay connected, such as a video call before bed or a kiss drawn on their hand to hold onto. Missing the parent is allowed; the story shows it alongside the plan.

Talk about the story together

Where did the parent in the story go?
How did the character feel close to them while they were away?
How would you like us to stay in touch on a trip?

Your child can answer, point to a picture, or simply listen. There is no correct answer.

They are designed for everyday conversations and practice. They do not promise that one story will change a habit or make a worry disappear.

With a parent traveling for work, bedtime can feel different

When one parent is away for a few days, a child can miss them most at bedtime and ask again and again when they’re coming back. Vague answers tend to make the waiting harder; a concrete plan and a simple way to stay close usually help more. Parents often look through deployment books for kids for this, since they share the same idea: the parent is away, and the parent is coming back. Most of those are written for long absences, though, not a short work trip.

Questions parents ask

Is this like deployment books for kids?: It shares the same idea as deployment books for kids: the parent is away, the child stays connected and the reunion is certain. But it is made for shorter trips, like a few days of work travel, and your child is the main character, with their name and a grown-up you choose. The story comes narrated.
Does the story say when the parent comes back?: Yes. The time apart is short and concrete, and the reunion is certain, so the story ends with the happy return or with your child knowing exactly when it will be. Missing the parent is allowed; the story shows that feeling alongside the plan, never as something to hide.
How can we use it during the trip?: Play it before the parent leaves and again on the nights they’re away. Your child chooses one way to stay connected, such as a video call before bed or a kiss drawn on their hand. Keep the same ritual in real life, and use the questions on this page to talk about it.

A story for kids when a parent travels, starring your child

With a parent traveling for work, bedtime can feel different

Questions parents ask