Mom Of 3 Under 5

Bradley to me it sounds like you're trying to use this thread to justify your choice to bring your daughter with you to work. Trucking is far from any job you've ever done before. There are many places around the country that have no facilities or safe places to pull over to even get out and stretch your legs. It isn't like someone doing Doordash is similar jobs that you can get out frequently and restrooms are very accessible. Starting out you're expected to run any load you're assigned, make the appointments which may mean flipping from days to night regularly. Some loads are scheduled super tight that you're expected to run your 11/14 clock out, and get started again immediately as soon as you're off 10 hours. Other loads have a ton of extra time you can take your time getting there. In your instance how would you handle potty breaks and showers? Can't leave your daughter alone in the truck, and you need your privacy while showering. The company is investing easily over $150,000 on that equipment. They expect it to be utilized to the full potential. Once you get some experience and stand out as a top driver you'll have more control over what your hours look like. Trucking frequently makes the list of most dangerous jobs. Is it really worth endangering your child's well being? Also where is the kid going to exercise? I definitely wouldn't trust the parking lot or the grass at truck stops or rest areas. Some states (Minnesota for example) have very small playgrounds at some of their rest areas but they're few and far between.

Although you didn't ask for my opinion I'm still going to say it. As a father of 3 young children, i feel you're doing your daughter a huge disservice. She's missing out on just being a child. Being cooped up for 8 or more hours is NOT healthy for a child. Most kids have separation anxiety initially. They get over it. Some kids take longer than others. My nephew was really bad with separation anxiety. What worked for my sister is gradually extending the amount of time they were apart. What you DON'T do is give in to their crying. Have you reached out to her pediatrician to help with this?

But....you do what you see best. Just know the longer you take to remedy the issue the more difficult it will become. We're fortunate enough my wife has been able to be a stay at home mom for the past 8 years, though the lack of socialization with kids their own age has negatively impacted them in some ways. First day of kindergarten my oldest son actually ran away from the school to come to us as we walked away. We took him back over there, and left again. The principal held his hand, and gave him one of those sensory toys to distract him. He cried for the first hour or so. After that he was fine, it continued that way (minus the running away) for the first week, each day less crying. Parenting isn't easy, ultimately it's up to you to do what you see best.

A child crying when being dropped off school or daycare is natural. What isn't natural is missing the vital social interaction with children of approximate age.

Just giving added support to what you stated Rob, a truck is not a good environment for a child, especially when the child is at an age where social development is a priority.