Anyone who has a loved one that's a truck driver knows that they face some serious stress and trials while on the road. Many people don't realize there are trials faced by those still at home which are as daunting as the ones faced by the drivers themselves.
Facing Loneliness - It's never easy to be separated from a loved one, but truck driving families have to face this regularly and often for weeks at a time. To combat this loneliness, partners can talk on the telephone during layovers or when they're stopping for the night. They can also use email or instant messages while online during down time.
Support Them - Be supportive of your spouse, both while they're away, and when they return home. Make an effort to be responsive to their needs while they're home. Managing the home so they don't have to worry about it is also a way to be supportive.
Remain Faithful - Some spouses or partners may wonder if those away will stay faithful while on the road. This issue may not be verbalized, but it may be a concern. If the couple is having problems with the separation, being tempted to stray is a legitimate worry. Keeping lines of communication open and working at keeping the relationship alive while you're together will help both of you remain faithful.
Stay United - Raising children is stressful for two parents to do together. When one parent is absent for weeks at a time, the stresses of raising children are compounded. When the driving parent returns home, the children may be resentful of their comings and goings so they may act out. Create set rules that the children are expected to follow, along with specific consequences, no matter which of the parents are at home. The parents also need to maintain a united front; be consistent in your discipline.
Take Time for Yourself - With all a truck driver's spouse has to do in the driver's absence, it's important for them to maintain their own interests and their own identity. You can't create such a life for yourself that your partner doesn't feel a part of it when they return, but not having an outlet can cause problems.
Business Time - Many truckers' spouses help with the business matters while the driver is out. They help them keep track of business expenses, checking on weather conditions, and helping with directions. So instead of dealing only with family financial aspects, the spouse at home handles the business finances as well.
Being married and maintaining a great relationship isn't easy under the best circumstances. When one spouse is away for a week or more, there are stresses that both partners face. The trials faced by those at home are just as real as those faced by the truck driver, so it's important for them to communicate and work on any problems that arise together.