You’ve heard of “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” but have you heard another one of Aesop’s fables “The Crow and the Pitcher?” In the story, a thirsty crow finds a pitcher of water. The water level is low, and the opening of the pitcher is too narrow for the crow to fit his beak inside.

Using his limited resources, the crow fills the pitcher of water with pebbles, causing the water level to rise and for the bird to successfully quench his thirst. Similar to this story, over-the-road fathers can use their resources to both solve problems and be a more reliable presence in the lives of their families.

How do resourcefulness and reliability relate? How can over-the-road fathers utilize their resources to solve problems? How can you be a reliable presence to your family while over-the-road, even while not physically present?

Father of five Eric Cielesz started driving for Prime back in November of last year after hearing good things about the company. With kiddos from the ages of 3 to 14, Eric knows a thing or two about resourcefulness and being a reliable dad! You won’t want to miss his insights.

“Showing up” for your kids means more than just your physical presence

As an over-the-road father, Eric is familiar with the challenges that come with being away from your kiddos for long stretches of time.

“I try to show up, regardless of distance,” he said.

Eric’s children are involved in various extracurricular activities. Even if he can’t be present for every single game or performance, he still finds ways to show support. For example, his family will send him videos of these events so he can provide feedback and praise.

In addition, Eric’s daughter recently had a music performance at church that was livestreamed. He was able to watch it and cheer her on, even from a thousand miles away.

Whether it’s showing support for his children’s interest or ensuring his wife receives flowers on Valentine’s Day, Eric finds a way to be there for his family. Showing up is more than just your physical presence; it’s the intentionality that matters the most.

“Just because you’re gone doesn’t mean you can’t show up for big conversations and big events,” Eric emphasized.

Being a reliable driver and a reliable father are similar.

When it comes to being a reliable over-the-road driver and reliable father, both involve being there for the good and the bad and constant communication.

“Keeping in contact with family and friends is a huge thing,” Eric said. “(Having) someone to always talk to, even when things get hard, is a big thing everybody needs to have.”

Eric keeps a steady line of communication between himself, his fleet manager and other drivers. Similarly, he texts, calls, or Facetimes his kids at least twice a day to keep communication open and honest and demonstrate his reliability.

Utilize your position as an over-the-road father to solve problems

Eric defines resourcefulness as “being very helpful in many different types of situations.” He describes his wife, Kelsey, as a very resourceful and reliable person.

“She’s always there and has always been there, especially for kids,” he said. “Even in situations that aren’t always easy, she uses everything she has to her advantage. Everything (our kids) need, they have.”

Eric admitted that while being in the cab of a truck for long periods of time is “not always ideal,” he also said it provides ample time and opportunity to get your head in the problem solving mode. Whether it’s problems at home or his child’s school, Eric uses his time over-the-road to better assess situations and come up with solutions.

“Utilize your surroundings and the things you’re experiencing to benefit you and other people,” he said.

Learn how to improvise

Last December, Eric was unable to be home for Christmas, which was hard for both him and his family. He video called them that day, but he admitted it wasn’t the same as being there. However, Eric didn’t let that obstacle stop him.

“Instead of letting that negatively affect me, we did a second Christmas when I came home,” he said. “It was hard to miss Christmas for sure, it was really fun getting to come home well after Christmas with (decorations) still being up.”

This is a great example of Eric being both resourceful and reliable. He still communicated with his family on the actual holiday, but he made light of an unfortunate situation.

Final Words

Like the crow filling a pitcher of water with pebbles, Prime driver fathers have to utilize their resources in order to be a reliable presence for their families.

“It’s very important to be reliable and present,” Eric said. “Keep an eye on (your family) and keep them safe. Even though it might not be the easiest thing to happen, you’re showing up and making sure it gets done.”