LONG HAUL TRUCKERS: HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND FAMILY

It’s a well-known fact that a long-haul trucker is bound to be away from home for stretched periods of time. However, this doesn't mean one can't have an affectionate, adoring and engaged relationship with his family while still maintain a great trucking career.

Today’s many types of communication allowed by smartphones and all other technology and internet options make it simpler than any time in recent history to keep in contact with friends and family when on the road. Nevertheless, truckers must find additional approaches to remain closely connected when out and about. Thinking about how to balance work and family when miles away from home? Here are a few ideas.

Reminders & Keepsakes 

Thanks to long-haul traveling, over-the-road truckers experience the world in a way many never will.  Try to pick up a few mementos/keepsakes while out on the road. Regardless of whether it's something from a truck stop, local shop or even out in nature you'd be shocked at the number of the knickknacks, collectibles, toys and alternative objects you can find all around. Upon arriving back home, these small gifts to your family will show that you’re thinking about them while driving. It doesn’t have to be anything spectacular, just a little something that shows you care.

Interactive games

Invent a game to keep your kids engaged and thinking of you while you are away. Any kind of quiz game would do the trick, but try and keep it related to the states you are going to or places you are passing through on the road. Ask your children for answers to some seemingly simple questions before departing.

Allow your children to consider their answers while you are away. Have a quick Q&A session with them while you're on the phone catching up. After they've responded, ask them further questions about the states or places you're passing through. The idea is to keep your family entertained and engaged while you're away as a long-haul trucker.

Road(trip) trucking

Long-haul truckers get to experience the country in a way that few others will. Make the most of these opportunities to share with your loved ones. Take photos of your travels while you're away. Bring back something that relates to the history questions you've been asking your kids.

Your employer may even permit you to travel with your children. This could be a fantastic opportunity to show your kid what you do on a daily basis at work. Make it a summer vacation tradition for them to accompany you on the road for a few days. This is undoubtedly going to be a trip they will never forget.

Memorable return

Once you've returned home, sit down with your children and let them question you about your adventures. Long-haul trucking may transport you from one end of the country to the other, and you'll undoubtedly have enough to talk about. Make it a habit to do this every time you return. Discuss what you saw for the first time and enjoyed, as well as what may have been a disappointment. Allow your family to feel as if they were a part of the road from beginning to end.

This way, you will additionally use your travels as an educational lesson for your kids. Give them a heads up on the ongoing events while on the road but leave out all the details of your adventures to dig in to when you are finally home together.

 Long-haul trucking is a demanding but rewarding profession. Maintain your focus on your job, but make your vacations an adventure for you and your family. The memories you and your loved ones create will last a lifetime.