How A Singer Balances Travel & Family

tour-bus

It’s the question I’m asked most on the road. When women find out I’ve got a family back at home they wonder…

“How do you do it?”

Behind the question are legitimate concerns about a father not being there for his kids’ soccer games, a wife worn out from raising four children alone, a marriage losing heat from too many days and nights spent miles apart.

I’ve made my living as a singer and public speaker for twelve years now. These days I’m in 80 cities annually. And while you’re not likely to be soft rocking across America for a living anytime soon, someone in your house may be a bit of a traveler too – if not year round then for a season now and then.

How do we do it? How do we keep our families together – and thriving – when mom or dad are on the road?

My wife and I didn’t do it well at all in the beginning.

Kick-drum

I signed a record deal the day my oldest was born. And I boarded a tour bus for the first time six months later. I was the opening act on a 60 city tour that spanned three months. Few days off. No money to fly home when I had the rare opportunity either.

When the tour finally ended, over an appetizer on date night, my bride said, “I don’t want a divorce…”

(That’s one way to get a guy’s attention!)

“…but I understand now why so many artist’s wives get one.”

That night Becky and I put some rules in place. They’ve kept us married, liking each other, and sane…most days.

To read the nine rules that help us balance travel and family head on over to SimpleMom.net.