Family Day Reflections: Before You Travel, Make Sure Your Kids Are Covered

Shelley Essery, Certified Executor Advisor

Family Day, here in British Columbia, is a reminder of what matters most.

It’s about slowing down, spending time together, and taking care of the people we love, especially our kids. For many families, it also falls right in the middle of planning season. Spring break trips, summer travel, visits with relatives… calendars start filling quickly.

And somewhere between booking flights and packing lists, a practical thought often comes up:

If something unexpected happened while we were away, would our kids be okay?

Not emotionally, of course they would be loved.
But practically.

Who would be allowed to care for them?
Who could make decisions on their behalf?
Would our wishes be clear, or would others be left guessing?

That’s why we’re talking about this during Family Day month.

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Why Parents Often Put This Off (and Why That Makes Sense)

Most families don’t avoid Wills and Powers of Attorney because they don’t care.

They avoid them because:

• Life is busy
• The topic feels heavy
• It’s easy to assume “we’ll get to it later”

But when you’re a parent, especially one who travels, these documents aren’t about end-of-life planning. They’re about continuity and care.

They answer the questions your kids can’t ask yet.

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What a Will Really Does for Your Children

A Will isn’t just about assets. For parents, its most important role is clarity.

A clear Will helps ensure:

• Your children would be cared for by the people you choose
• Decisions wouldn’t be made in a rush or under stress
• Your wishes are followed clearly, not interpreted differently by different people

Without a Will, those decisions don’t disappear, they’re simply made by the system instead of by you.

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Why a Power of Attorney Matters When You’re Away

Many parents are surprised to learn that a Power of Attorney isn’t only for illness or old age.

It matters when:

• You’re traveling
• You’re temporarily unavailable
• Something unexpected delays your return

A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to:

• Pay bills and manage finances
• Handle time-sensitive matters
• Keep life running smoothly for your family

Without it, even simple things can get stuck.

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The Questions Parents Usually Ask First

If you’re a parent planning a trip and don’t yet have these documents, you’re probably wondering:

• Do we both need Wills?
• Who should we name for our kids?
• What happens if our chosen guardian can’t step in right away?
• How do we make this clear without overwhelming ourselves?
• Where do we keep everything so it’s easy to find?

These are exactly the right questions to ask, and you don’t need all the answers at once.

You just need a place to start.

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Start by Writing Things Down (Before You Do Anything Else)

The Empowered Estate Planner was created for moments like this.

It gives families a simple, organized place to:

• Record key information
• Think through decisions at their own pace
• Capture wishes clearly in one trusted location

Even if your documents aren’t complete yet, having your information written down is a powerful first step, and one that immediately creates clarity.

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When You’re Ready for the Next Step

If you’d like guidance beyond the planner:

• Shelley can help you understand Wills and Powers of Attorney, what they do, what decisions are involved, and how to approach them thoughtfully.
• Karla can support funeral and pre-planning conversations, helping families make decisions in advance so loved ones aren’t left guessing later.

Both conversations are about preparation, not pressure.

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Family Day is about care, connection, and responsibility.
Making sure your children are protected, at home or while you travel, is part of that care.

If planning a trip has brought these questions to the surface, listen to that instinct. It’s not worry. It’s love doing its job.

And you don’t have to do it all at once, you just have to begin.