How Would You Word This?

[daycarediva]

Sending home a policy update that I will no longer be accepting phone calls or texts after hours. ?

I have two dcp's who do this CONSTANTLY and everything they ask is something that can wait. I send home a thorough daily report and ALWAYS tell them anything out of the ordinary.

One dcb didn't nap AT ALL today and his mother has been texting and calling me NON STOP since 6pm because he is cranky. Um, read the sheet!!!!!!!

Another dcg lost a stinking hair clip (the kind I DONT ALLOW,which they have KNOWN, it is in her cubby) and Mom thought it was necessary to BOMB my phone with 8 texts about it since I didn't answer her RIGHT BACK. SERIOUSLY?

I HAVE A LIFE.

[blandino]

Sending home a policy update that I will no longer be accepting phone calls or texts after hours. ?

I have two dcp's who do this CONSTANTLY and everything they ask is something that can wait. I send home a thorough daily report and ALWAYS tell them anything out of the ordinary.

One dcb didn't nap AT ALL today and his mother has been texting and calling me NON STOP since 6pm because he is cranky. Um, read the sheet!!!!!!!

Another dcg lost a stinking hair clip (the kind I DONT ALLOW,which they have KNOWN, it is in her cubby) and Mom thought it was necessary to BOMB my phone with 8 texts about it since I didn't answer her RIGHT BACK. SERIOUSLY?

I HAVE A LIFE.

I have SOOOO been thinking of this lately. Some texts from parents I totally don't mind - the cute ones that say DCK were doing something cute they learned at daycare. But the unnecessary ones really get me - or the ones at 6:30 am while I am getting ready.... DRIVE ME BANANAS.

I have half a mind to not answer them until business hours the next day. MarinaVanessa was talking about a Google service that allows you to get a business number that will just forward phone calls to your number. I'm not sure if you can turn it off for business hours - but wouldn't that be nice

[daycarediva]

Well, I know it's not much, but my kid free sanity is working out. I stopped four times tonight at the gym to answer/get parent texts.

I keep checking because it could be dh and my kids were home not feeling the greatest.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I sent home a notice stating that I reserve the hours that I am not working for my family so all text messages, phone calls, and e-mails made outside of my business hours (7:00am-6:00pm, the children are only present from 8:00-5:00) will be returned the following day. I stick to this no matter what and it has made a huge difference. happyface

[Play Care]

I sent home a notice stating that I reserve the hours that I am not working for my family so all text messages, phone calls, and e-mails made outside of my business hours (7:00am-6:00pm, the children are only present from 8:00-5:00) will be returned the following day. I stick to this no matter what and it has made a huge difference. happyface

[countrymom]

this is why I don't give them my cell phone number. Also I just wouldn't answer it. Let them text you, shut it off.

[My3cents]

Sending home a policy update that I will no longer be accepting phone calls or texts after hours. ?

I have two dcp's who do this CONSTANTLY and everything they ask is something that can wait. I send home a thorough daily report and ALWAYS tell them anything out of the ordinary.

One dcb didn't nap AT ALL today and his mother has been texting and calling me NON STOP since 6pm because he is cranky. Um, read the sheet!!!!!!!

Another dcg lost a stinking hair clip (the kind I DONT ALLOW,which they have KNOWN, it is in her cubby) and Mom thought it was necessary to BOMB my phone with 8 texts about it since I didn't answer her RIGHT BACK. SERIOUSLY?

I HAVE A LIFE.

I would address it as-My life after the daycare is closed needs to be time for me and my family. Please do not call and or text, unless it is extremely important and can not wait till the next day of care. I appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Simple and to the point. Then if they did do this have your answer machine on, and don't text back till the next day when your operating hours are on.

[wahmof3]

this is why I don't give them my cell phone number. Also I just wouldn't answer it. Let them text you, shut it off.

I try to not answer it & just let them text--- but what I get is this:

?

and then this:

?

IMO- that's so rude!

[cheerfuldom]

Be specific about what they can text or call about after hours. and be clear that you will answer at your convenience and only if you deem it necessary.

Basically if the schedule for the following day is altered (or they need to ask permission about next days schedule change) or if their child is ill and will not attend. Anything else must wait until the next morning at drop off.

If they choose to disregard the policy, you will enforce fees. I would do $3 per unnecessary text or call (whether you respond or not)

[Lucy]

I try to not answer it & just let them text--- but what I get is this:

?

and then this:

?

IMO- that's so rude!

Text back:

Sorry, I was at a funeral.

Sorry, I was at the Gynecologist.

Sorry, my husband and I were having a quickie.

Sorry, I've had diarrhea.

Or better yet.... Sorry, I was in a callback interview for a new job.

[wahmof3]

Text back:

Sorry, I was at a funeral.

Sorry, I was at the Gynecologist.

Sorry, my husband and I were having a quickie.

Sorry, I've had diarrhea.

Or better yet.... Sorry, I was in a callback interview for a new job.

::::::::::::::

this is great!!

[DayCareDiva30]

Text back:

Sorry, I was at a funeral.

Sorry, I was at the Gynecologist.

Sorry, my husband and I were having a quickie.

Sorry, I've had diarrhea.

Or better yet.... Sorry, I was in a callback interview for a new job.

I was thinking about sending out a notice about texting after a certain time. I don't mind answering a quick text if you texting to say your child will be absence the next day or grandma will be dropping off in the morning, but texting at 10pm right as I'm drifting off to sleep to ask if your child left their binky is too much!
I wish parents would thing about how they would feel if they boss or coworkers texted them at all hours about stuff that could wait. SMH

[nanglgrl]

Just start texting them about stuff throughout the evening or early in the morning.
12:30 a.m. :
"Hey Sue I just noticed you left little Sue's finger paint art in her cubby. I know how much you worry about stuff being left here, if you want to come by now and get it I will put it on the porch"
5 a.m. :
"Hey Jane we will be having crackers and cheese for snack today in case you're wondering!"
Or you could just text throughout the day:
"Bobby just ate breakfast"
"Bobby just played blocks"
"Bobby ate 7 of his peas"
....Of course I'm just joking but man would it be fun. I once had a person call me at 1 a.m. because their child left a pacifier at my house and they wanted to come and get it. I was so mad!

[LittleD]

What you could do is instead of have a info sheet, have an agenda. A notebook the child brings home everyday. The parents have to read and sign the agenda daily and any questions or concerns can be asked in the agenda. You could tape the info sheet in there if you want, but it could take up more space that way.

Put a letter/note in the front saying "Please use this agenda to ask any questions or concerns as I will no longer accept texts or calls after hours. "

You can use the agenda to refer to policies they are breaking (Much easier to scold in writing then face to face for some people )

[Springdaze]

I would think that just telling them they wont be answered until the next day unless its an emergency would be best. Maybe answer up to an hour after they leave. Obviously it is important enough to them to be rude enough to bother you at all hours, so telling them only important things would not be enough.