Truckers with young children, how hard is it?

Sometimes a child is better off with one parent, rather than two bickering parents.

 

Being in his life should be the thing that makes you happy, even in the midst of everything else that's going on.

For his sake I strongly recommend you stay local and keep being a dad, regardless of what happens between you and your wife. But FWIW I do hope y'all are able to work it out. Is she willing to talk to a counselor or a pastor?

 

I usually mon-fri otr only ... When tired can stay home week or 2 ... But if you are driver try to find regional work or company to have weekends home ... Not just 34 ... As others mentioned - lot depends on the gf or wife

 

I have been on the road for pretty much all of my kids' lives. I've asked a lot from them so I can grind and help them financially as much as possible. I sacrifice so they don't have to.

Many folks think that being at home is the only way to be an involved, or "good" dad. A dad can be in the house everyday, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's a good thing. It certainly wouldn't have been the case of my brothers and me. It's not so much about trying to be there for every single moment of your child's life, but the quality of your moments spent. What did you teach them? What types of memories did you create? I don't see my kids nearly as much as I would like, but nowadays it's somewhat easier with videochat options. Being a trucker on the road, you may have to be more creative. When I talk to any of mine, they have the platform to talk a out whatever is on their mind. I just listen and they'll talk about school or whatever. To give them a platform, even from a distance, means everything to every child. Then I finally see them, I show them a good time. Quite frankly, it's a treat for me too. If truckers have good wives and or mothers to their kids, it won't be an issue at all. If they are really good or even great, it'll be like you never left home because those ladies will build you up like you're a hero. One has to evaluate his situation to determine that. I didn't mean to be on the road this long, but it's working and has elevated all of my situations.

Psychologically, it can be difficult. Thoughts from what the norm is creep in your mind, and for some people, the opinions of others can be infiltrating. You have to believe in what your doing and trust that you're doing what's right for your family.

 

It's not easy at all. When me and my fiance had my daughter I was regional, home 2 or so nights a week. My job let me take 2 weeks and run local so I was home every night, but that was about it. Once I hit the road again it was hard. My fiance ended up leaving me and I found myself buried in bills. Mortgage, utilities, hospital bills, ect...due to this, I had no choice but to work. 3 nights out turned into 5, and it's been like that ever since. I was forced to sell my house about a month ago because I couldn't keep up with everything. I've missed so much of my daughter's youth. Some days I wonder if she even really knows who I am, and that alone destroys me. She is now 2 1/2. Be a dad, stay in your kids life. That there is enough to make a man happy

 

sometimes it works out really well for some families, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m glad it worked for y’all, not a lot of drivers can say that.

I’ve got a 2,4,6 year old - so I’d do anything to be at home. The most annoying thing ever is when I’m out in town the comments are ruthless. “Oh wow dad, you babysitting today?” “You’ve got your hands full today huh” ……no muthaf***** I’m a full time muthaf******** daddy. I do everything. Cook, clean, homeschool, make money, etc etc etc. I grew up without parents, so my promise to my kids is my time.

 

I'm so family-oriented I wouldn't be comfortable leaving my DOGS to go OTR.

It was bad enough when it was me and the wife. Dark times, psychologically.

No more of that, thanks.

 

Being able to do this everyday is my happiness. Jalapeño cheddar sausage, eggs, bell peppers and raw milk from our local farm. Have a good day everyone!

 

It works out well for more families than people know. I think the issue is that so much of the dark side of trucking gets exposed nobody hardly ever shares the success stories. I'm family oriented too and I'll sacrifice myself for their comfort. I may be one of the most self sacrificing people in the world lol. In all seriousness, though you're right. Everyone has their way of doing things. Regardless of which method one chooses, it's important to make the moments you have count.

 

THIS, 100%!!!

My wife couldn't handle being effectively a single mother while I was gone on the road... he's a handful, and I am the more patient one. My last trip of any kind to haul freight was a month before he was born; I hired a driver until I sold everything off. Last winter when I was hospitalized, my wife was going insane. luckily my sister was able to step up and take our son for a week at a time, so she wasn't stuck at home alone with him all the time.

Ever since he was born, I found positions that would allow me to be home (almost) every night.

I am now an office shill, so I can take him to preschool every morning and pick him up on my way home (wife works early morning until mid-day). It works out better this way, although the pay cut for coming into the office takes some adjustment.