Parents are often faced with peculiar dilemmas, especially when last minute plans cannot be modified to everyone’s satisfaction. It is becoming more commonplace for businessmen and women to be asked or required to go out of town on business and these stays are often longer than just a few hours. This necessitates childcare for small children and a form of accountability for teenagers old enough to tough it out. When childcare cannot be found, which is a big problem when the trip is last-minute, the parent may wonder when it is okay to take the kids on business trips.

Talk to your boss first. No matter what kind of job you have, you should never automatically assume that it is or is not okay to take your child along on a business trip. After all, you never know what he or she may think of the request, and you could be surprised to find out that they have no problem with your child accompanying you. While this is rarely the case for any trip involving meeting with clients, there are some job fields that allow for tagalongs when there is no other option.

All is fair when the business is yours. You have to abide by a boss’ wishes if you have one, but when you own your own business you are freer to set your own terms. It could be a great learning experience to tie a business trip with an educational side trip, such as a visit to a museum or art gallery. Historical monuments are another sightseeing opportunity when you take your child with you on the business trip, so the whole trip can really turn into a lot of fun. You even get the opportunity to show your child what you do on business.

You should be prepared to pay the child’s travel expenses. Even if your child would not be in the way during the business meetings, you should always go into the deal ready and able to pay for his or her travel expenses. Airlines, bus agencies, and train depots charge a fee for children to ride, except in limited circumstances depending on the travel provider. This may mean baggage expenses as well, plus the cost to feed and possibly entertain the little one during the business end of the trip.

Older children are easier. Babies and toddlers require a lot of attention, so it is definitely easier to take an older child on a business trip. Not to say that you cannot work it out with some additional help, but taking a child old enough to use the restroom and take care of other basic needs without assistance is really helpful. A teenager is even easier to have around, since they are often able to spend a few hours at the hotel room while you attend important meetings, freeing you up during the business trip but allowing you to spend some valuable quality time together when you are free.

Talk about rescheduling. When you do not have any form of childcare at your disposal and your child cannot go with you, you always have the option to talk about rescheduling the business trip. This is not always practical, but if you have a flexible boss and the reason for the meeting can wait for a few days, you may be able to find someone to babysit. Do not go into the meeting assuming that a reschedule is the only option, but at least bring up the idea if your boss has an open mind.

Check your destination’s options. Always be aware of what is available regarding childcare at your destination, such as Mom’s Day Out programs through local churches. Sometimes there are options available that would negate the child actually having to attend the business event, and you would simply have to deal with a little one during the actual travel portion. This could be a valid and workable compromise that allows your boss to give a little and make some changes sometimes.

Keep in mind that you never know until you ask. It can be a memorable event to take your child with you on a business trip; a chance to show off your pride and joy to people you work with or special clients. Not only do you get to show your child new cultures and places, but you get to spend time together, which can change his or her life.

Melanie Wymer is a staff writer for rangehoodhq.com, a website specializing in a variety of range hoods for your modern kitchen needs. She is also an experienced traveler and work-at-home mother of four small children.