10 Tips for New Trucker Wives; Take Charge on the Home Front

As I said before there is not much information out there about "How to be a Trucker-wife" or how to make this life easier on yourself and your family. It took a while after my husband started OTR to get a handle on things and to be content with this decision. At the time I had wished there was somebody there to give me advice in the beginning, maybe it would not have taken me so long to accept this life and make the most of it!

So I decided to comprise a list of tips for new trucker-wives and how to handle the transition easier. This list can also be useful if your significant other has any job away from home.

Last week I discussed how planning out your time together can be beneficial. This week I will continue on with this series and talk about taking on responsibilities at home.

So here goes, tip #5...
5. Take Charge on the Home Front

With your husband now gone, most of chores that were once split down the middle have disproportionately got laid down on your plate! Do not let yourself feel resentful because of this. Take this opportunity to start "wearing the pants!" (but don't let your husband know this! ha) Take charge of the checkbook and bills, make decisions yourself, organize your home they way you want it!

My husband did a lot around the house. We both worked full time before he started trucking which meant we both had to share responsibilities around the home because neither of us were home often. A lot of things were left un-done and/or disorganized. When he went over the road...I stood up and took charge. I looked at it as an opportunity to run my house the way I wanted to!

Start taking it upon yourself to take your vehicle to get serviced, take the garbage out, learn how to fix things and do the "man-work". Not only will your house stay more organized and taken care of but you might also start to feel pride that you are able to take care of things on your own!

By filling your days with a routine and getting things accomplished, it leaves you little time to sit and think about your significant other being away. It is easy to fall into a depression when all that you think about is him not being there...fight that urge to mope and make yourself up a routine to follow each day and goals you want to accomplish! It may not sound like fun, but it is rewarding!

Also, by taking care of most of the responsibilities at home, it will give you and your trucker more quality time to spend together during his home-time! Don't get me wrong, there are still things I refuse to do, like mow the lawn, change the kitty-litter, or carry very heavy objects! So do not think that I am saying do EVERYthing and leave nothing for him to do, I am just saying pick up a few of the shared chores and take charge of your home! Believe me you will feel proud of yourself!

How have the responsibilities in your home changed since your trucker has been on the road?