Texting

[brookeroo]

So, I started my daycare at the beginning of April. I have 4 kids so far. Still working on getting two more.

My first child is now 17 months old. I love his parents. They are great. Overall I don't have many problems with them however... she wants to text me all day checking up on whether he's behaving, telling me she misses him, wants to know if he took his nap ok, if he ate ok... It's really kind of frustrating.

I have since put in my new contracts going to new people to keep the texting to a minimum due to the fact that 1. it's distracting when I'm trying to care for multiple children and 2. I only have 250 texts per month and I do not want to raise my bill $10 a month for the next tier. I'm just not sure how to bring this up with her in a way that won't offend her.

I have considered posting a message in general about it but I get the feeling she gets offended anytime I post any general message to everyone on the front door, even if it does not relate to her. She responds to me as if she doesn't do that and it's like she forgets I have other people who do and I'm just trying to communicate. I feel like even if I were to re-distribute my revised contract and explain that I am doing that for everyone, she would still be offended... Not sure how to bring it up really without ticking her off.

[SilverSabre25]

you could always raise her rates by $2.50/week and get the next tier of texts.

Otherwise, I don't know if you even can get her to stop texting you.

[momofboys]

So, I started my daycare at the beginning of April. I have 4 kids so far. Still working on getting two more.

My first child is now 17 months old. I love his parents. They are great. Overall I don't have many problems with them however... she wants to text me all day checking up on whether he's behaving, telling me she misses him, wants to know if he took his nap ok, if he ate ok... It's really kind of frustrating.

I have since put in my new contracts going to new people to keep the texting to a minimum due to the fact that 1. it's distracting when I'm trying to care for multiple children and 2. I only have 250 texts per month and I do not want to raise my bill $10 a month for the next tier. I'm just not sure how to bring this up with her in a way that won't offend her.

I have considered posting a message in general about it but I get the feeling she gets offended anytime I post any general message to everyone on the front door, even if it does not relate to her. She responds to me as if she doesn't do that and it's like she forgets I have other people who do and I'm just trying to communicate. I feel like even if I were to re-distribute my revised contract and explain that I am doing that for everyone, she would still be offended... Not sure how to bring it up really without ticking her off.

I would have a short but frank conversation with her, "Hey, Shelly - I am so glad that you care so much about little Timmy & want updates on him throughout the day. I don't mind giving an update when I have time but I wanted to let you know my text plan is only minimal & I need our texting to take place only _____x a day & you insert the number that works well with you so I don't go over each month." Then be sure to add you are so glad she understands! HTH!

[Blackcat31]

Have you considered using e-mails instead of texting?

If that is not an option that works, then I definitely agree with momofboys and think you should just have an open discussion with mom about the subject.

On a side note, having to have these types of discussions (not-so-important ones) with parents helps you hone the backbone for those times in which you HAVE to discuss something super important.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I would tell her the texting is for emergencies only, and to please e-mail you around noon to get 1 update about her child when you are on your break.

[Willow]

I just wouldn't respond. Ignore her enough times and she should get the picture.

If she asks why tell her you're very busy during the day caring for all of the children in your care, that it's much easier to discuss the events of the day at each child's pick up time rather than in little bits and pieces for every parent of every child throughout the entire day.

[Heidi]

I would have a short but frank conversation with her, "Hey, Shelly - I am so glad that you care so much about little Timmy & want updates on him throughout the day. I don't mind giving an update when I have time but I wanted to let you know my text plan is only minimal & I need our texting to take place only _____x a day & you insert the number that works well with you so I don't go over each month." Then be sure to add you are so glad she understands! HTH!

[Hunni Bee]

I know from bad experience that it doesn't matter whether you respond or even open a text message, it still subtracts from your text message pool. Overage charges are not pretty.

I would tell her straight up, please do not text me throughout the day, and tell her why. I would give her some options - call/voicemail at naptime to update, email, daily report sheet - for her to choose from. If the texts continue, I'd do like a pp said and charge her for the overages on your bill.

[cheerfuldom]

I know from bad experience that it doesn't matter whether you respond or even open a text message, it still subtracts from your text message pool. Overage charges are not pretty.

I would tell her straight up, please do not text me throughout the day, and tell her why. I would give her some options - call/voicemail at naptime to update, email, daily report sheet - for her to choose from. If the texts continue, I'd do like a pp said and charge her for the overages on your bill.

this.

plus maybe you should total the number of texts from last month and let her know how much she really is checking in with you. Maybe she doesnt realize that it is literally 100 texts a month.

[wahmof3]

I had this DCP

I had to ask her if she trusted me with her daughter. I was very professional about it. But the constant texting and then infamous "?" when I wasn't able to respond right away was draining to me. I have 5 other DCK's here and cannot care for her infant, the other kiddos, and write her an up to the minute text report.

I ended up terming She just couldn't understand.

Good luck.

[Unregistered]

I would make the comment that your cell phone bill was outrageous last month because of all the texting. Tell her that you will send home a daily report if it makes her feel better.

[Lilbutterflie]

Do you have a smart phone or iPhone? There are a few apps available now that you can download. A provider could enter in diaper changes, meals, naps; and the parent can either look at the info on a website or they can dowload the app themselves and have access to their child's daily routine. They are mostly geared for keeping track of baby's schedules, but it could be an answer to your situation with the overly involved parent. Just a thought!

Otherwise, I would also tell the parent that one text a day to check up on baby is about all you have time for, given that you are providing wonderful care for her child and others!

[Michael]

This thread relates: https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30875

also: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.php?tag=texting