Homework is a word that many kids dread to hear. We already spend enough time in school, why do we have to bring more work home with us? 

As a Prime driver and as a dad, you might wonder how to best help your children succeed in school while you’re over-the-road. How can you ensure your child is performing to the best of their abilities and turning in their work on time? Luckily, you are not alone. 

We spoke to two dads to get the scoop on some of the best ways for over-the-road dads to be actively engaged with their children’s educations—despite the mileage between you.

Jimmy Jackson, Prime driver of 12 years and father of four, knows all about helping with homework over the road. He and his wife, Kellie, who’s a stay at home mom, work as a team to ensure their kids are doing their best. 

John Henderson has been an educator for 21 years and is a father himself. He has insights on how homework has changed over time and how to evolve with the times. Both are here to provide their advice to ensure your child has a successful school year. 

Find out the needs and interests of your kids

For Jimmy, figuring out what needs each of his four children had helped him figure out what areas each child needed help in. He said, when it came to help with homework, it “depended on the child.”

“I had some (children) that needed help all the time with math and history stuff,” Jimmy said. “It would sometimes be a daily instance of being able to video chat or screenshot their homework assignments. I would get on the phone and work with them step by step.”

Jimmy said that he was sometimes able to explain things in easier to understand terms than the teachers. Through applications such as Google lens and video chat, he was able to help his kids with homework, even over-the-road. 

One of his daughters is dyslexic, so ensuring she had the right accommodations, both at school and at home, were necessary in ensuring she succeeded. That same daughter has an interest in old automobiles, and this involves a lot of “hands on, over-the-phone type questions of working on cars, terminology of different parts of vehicles to help her study those items,” Jimmy said

Last week’s back-to-school blog discussed keeping up with your child’s interests in order to strengthen the bond between parent and child. Not only knowing what your child is interested in, but what their personal needs are, helps with that bond. Jimmy described it as a “Step by step process of working out the problem.”

Employ creative communications systems with your child. 

John says that the older kids get, the more creative you have to get with communication. One piece of advice he had was to ask open ended questions to avoid one word answers.

“Set aside time every night to talk about the day at school,” he said. “A lot of kids don’t like to talk about it, but get creative…. Ask questions where they have to answer in a sentence.” 

John also suggested that, if possible, joining your family for dinner either in person or remotely helps to strengthen the bond between you and your child. 

Take the time to make the time

Over-the-road drivers should consider making time for their families in order to maintain consistent contact, especially during milestone moments like back-to-school season. 

“We’re always rushing to make time and to make appointments,” Jimmy said, “Take the time to have those phone calls, those conversations with your family. As much as you can and as often as you can.”

“Sometimes it’s difficult,” he admitted, “but you just have to punch out that time to stay connected. It helps them and gives them the satisfaction of knowing that even though dad is away, he’s still interested in what they’re doing. If they’re concerned they’re not going to do well, it helps their confidence when they know Dad is taking an interest in what they’re doing and helping them walk through those issues.”

Jimmy says that knowing your family’s schedule back home is important, especially once school starts. That way, you can ensure you’re not interrupting dinner, practice, or something else. The conversations don’t always have to be serious or academic related. Simply talking with your children and staying connected is the most important part.

Have your child communicate to you through pictures

John said that utilizing pictures is a great way to help with homework. Whether it’s a tricky math problem or reviewing for an upcoming test. 

“If you have some time, you can share it during the day,” he said. “Take a picture and send it.”

Sharing pictures is also a good way to stay connected over the road. It doesn’t just have to be during homework help. John said that keeping track of where dad is through pictures, a map, or souvenirs helps to share the journey. 

Utilize school provided programs to ensure your child is doing their work

One of the applications that Jimmy’s kid’s school used is  Powerschool. Through this program, you can log in to check what’s been turned in, what hasn’t, and what their score is. In doing so, you can track your child’s progress. 

“The teachers are good at updating (Powerschool),” Jimmy said. “The children have access to that portal as well. They take advanced classes and can get competitive with their friends.”

Find out what software your child’s school uses to post grades so you can keep track. When possible, communicate with your child’s teacher to ensure they are performing to the best of their abilities. 

Final Words

John said that when it comes to being a father over-the-road, it’s important to remember that the quality of the time spent is more important than the quantity. 

“A lot of (over-the-road parents) are worried they aren’t spending enough time with their kids,” he said. “You have parents that hang out with their kids every day and they aren’t doing a very good job of it. As long as you’re present, in the moment, and putting away the distractions. I think that’s important.”

Jimmy said that as long as you’re setting aside the time to be that support system for your kids, you’re already heading in the right direction. 

“Be proactive with your children,” Jimmy said. “Take the time and sit and listen to their interests. If they aren’t understanding, help them understand. Just as they are our support system and appreciate us for providing for them, We are their support system for them in other ways too.”

“For them to know that Mom and Dad still have our back goes a long way with them. Being away from them is hard enough, but knowing that Dad is there to support them goes a long way.”