When Parents Want Every Detail Of The Day???

[Crazy8]

I understand new moms are worried about their child in a new place, but how do you handle the ones who want every detail of what the child did each day?? The one who hangs back while others are being picked up so they can talk more about their day (taking that away from other parents who may want a little run down too).

I used to have a parent like this and never quite knew how to handle it besides be short and just push her out the door sometimes, but she was here for a few years she wasn't new. I don't want to do that to a new client but I don't want it to become a habit either.

I already give daily reports - includes how they ate, slept and their diapers. For new kids I often include a blurb about how well they did, something they played with, etc. I also am willing to send pics and updates during the day AND I will post a daily status about our day on my FB page. I'm thinking that is more than enough, no????

[Happy Hearts]

Maybe add in your policy book something about pickup/drop off procedures. Here's an excerpt from mine, inspired by Daycare Lady forms:

Drop Off/Pick Up:
No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list, without written permission from the parent. Telephone permission will only be approved if I talk to the custodial parent! Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of Identification. Please make the alternate pick up person aware of the requirements. Parent Initials ________
It is normal for your child to cry on arrival, especially for the first few weeks. Please make your goodbye brief (no more than 5 minutes) and tell your child exactly when you will be returning. The crying usually stops within seconds of your departure. Never leave without telling your child goodbye.
Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider) and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the rules still apply. Most do not like to be too rushed and most do not like to wait too long once they are ready to depart.
Please have your child clean, dressed and fed (if you’re not here for 7:30 a.m. breakfast) when dropping off. Please do not send food with the children (half eaten breakfast, granola bars, juice boxes) as there is no food or drink allowed in the daycare area. Shoes or boots must be removed at the door and placed in the shoe rack. Keeping the floors clean is extremely important. Parent Initials ______
When departing let your child know you have arrived and that you will wait for him at the sign‐out area. Please be patient while your child tidies up and puts on outdoor clothing. It is important he/she learns to take responsibility for his/her own things. Remember, once you have arrived, it is time for your child to depart and therefore he/she is expected to complete and put away whatever he/she might be doing and not get out any new activities after this. Parent Initials ______
If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult. Parent Initials ______
Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non- custodial parent from picking up the child. Parent Initials ______

Hope this helps!

[sharlan]

I'm not sure which is worse. The parents that want every minute detail or the ones who never ask a single question. I have one set that have never asked a single question about their child's day. If I tell them something they just look at me with a blank expression.

[daycare]

sharlan......so true!!!

I tell parents from the get go. As much as I would love to chit-chat with you, I have a ton of work to do even after my daycare hours are over. I also will not discuss matters about your child/ren in front of other families. I also state that I need to keep my attention on the children, not on conversations.

Also, the parents know that sometimes no news is good news. If something goes down throughout the day and I have a minute or so, I will email the parent, or the parent will be called.

If you need to talk to me about your child, I would be more than happy to take you call between the hours of 2-3 pm or you can always email me.