It’s hard for truck drivers to be away from our loved ones for such long periods of time. It can be particularly difficult when we have to leave our little kids behind at home. Anyone who travels for business can relate to this challenging scenario. But even though we aren’t always physically present at home, we can still find creative ways to be involved in our children’s lives while supporting our families through a truck driving career with Bay & Bay Transportation in Dallas, TX.
Smartphones and modern technology have made it much easier for us to keep in touch with our families throughout our truck driving careers. You can always check in with a standard phone call back home, but you can also use different apps to make calling back home a little more fun. Your young children will enjoy using the camera on your spouse’s phone to video call their mom or dad using services like Skype or FaceTime. You and your children can also have fun sending picture messages to each other with services like Snapchat. Calling at least once a week is a good idea, more often if your schedule allows
Your truck driving route may take you through some pretty exciting cities or past an especially cool landmark. Around Dallas, you will find landmarks such as the Majestic Theater, Reunion Tower, and Pioneer Plaza. Pick up a postcard or two and take time to write home to your family during your off-duty time. Your kids will be happy to get mail from their parent. We bet it will still be proudly displayed on the refrigerator when you come home next.
A great way to connect with your kids is with a variation on the Flat Stanley Project, which is a popular activity in elementary schools. Take your kids shopping before you go back on the road. Go to the toy aisle and pick out a small stuffed animal or action figure together. When you’re on the road, take your chosen toy along with you. You can document the toy’s travels by taking pictures at truck stops, local landmarks, and even just inside the truck. Share the pictures with your family by emailing them or posting them to your social media account. Be sure to include a description of when and where the picture was taken and what your day was like. Your spouse can then help your kids find your location on a map. This helps them see where your truck driving career is taking you while also teaching them a little geography too.
When you do come home, make the most of your time and spend some quality time with your children in person. Give them the ability to pick where you go or what activities you do together. Maybe there’s a movie they want to go see, a restaurant they’d like to go to, or a bike trail you can explore together. If they play any sports, you could ask them to teach you how to play or show you their latest trophy. Have them share a school project that they did well on. Ask them to play the pieces they’re learning in their music lessons. What you choose doesn’t matter so long as you are able to enjoy time together in person.
Keep your family involved throughout your career as a truck driver with Bay & Bay Transportation in Dallas, TX. Contact us today by calling 888-801-3026 to get started.