The Parent That Calls Every Day

[jen]

i see what you're saying - i've said the same thing in the past.

Hmm...I think that you can always hope to find a happy medium

[SilverSabre25]

All I am saying is that when I read the posts in this thread it seems everyone says nope no calls blah, blah, blah. But when a parent brings their child to go to a doctors appointment or do something besides work they are jumped on for being a neglectful parent, then at another turn if they call to check everyday they are overprotective and annoying. It seems like some of you are never happy no matter what kind of client you have. Texts, emails are great, the original person doesnt like to text so she needs to **** it up and answer her phone.

And really do you think it was great advice MissNikki to tell her to let a parent worry and drive over to her house, that is the worst advice I have seen on here. Let a parent worry that something happened to their children, yes that will get you far in this business.

To be fair I do not personally care what parents are doing while their child is here so long as I'm paid and the child is picked up on time (or with prior notice if they're going to be late). I have said several times on this thread that the calling wouldn't bug me if the parent's tone was less shocked and suspicious when I tell her that all is well. It's the tone and the nature of the calls that rubs me the wrong way.

[Unregistered]

The Parent that calls everyday.

I was in the middle of changing diapers and then fixing lunch and in between those time she called 10 times every minute.When she finally didnt get a answer at all, she sent her husband to the childcare to make sure everything was alright. He said she was having a panic attack because she couldnt get through and this is after that child has been in me my care for 4 months now. This just make me want to refer her to someone else for the care of her child. There is just no trust.

[Unregistered]

I was in the middle of changing diapers and then fixing lunch and in between those time she called 10 times every minute.When she finally didnt get a answer at all, she sent her husband to the childcare to make sure everything was alright. He said she was having a panic attack because she couldnt get through and this is after that child has been in me my care for 4 months now. This just make me want to refer her to someone else for the care of her child. There is just no trust.

No you make it very clear that you are very busy with drops-offs, talking to the parents ect. and you will call her back at nap time period. Let her call 20 times, but she will wait till nap time for a return back call. (nice but firm) If she wants to leave work, let her.
I've done this and it works, often they don't like it because its their lunch hour or they're busy. Be firm and most likely she will stop, oh and continue to keep calling her if she doesn't answer, I'm serious!

[KEG123]

I've had both of my families since May and only one of the families called on the first day. And her kids had never been in daycare before, so I think that's why. Occasionally if the parents of that same family will be early to pick up, they call and let me know so I can start getting them ready.

[Unregistered]

Well, if it really gets to that point where she calls and no answer, calls back, and jumps in her car to come see....and according to your rules, she has to take kid with her if she visits...

I'd let her panic, just once. Hate to say it, but that might work, as a last ditch effort.

Good advice and I did this. This lady was still calling daily after a month, and I very nicely let her know I would call her back at my convenience each day, and if not would talk to her at pick up. Instead she kept calling, and I ignored her because we had a busy day ect. She ended up sending her husband over who got off work by 2:00 and he saw we were having fun and doing stencils. He made the comment his wife called multiple times, and I informed him she does this daily and either I'll call her back, or see her in a few hours to update her! (as I told her in the beginning)..Now dad was bummed because he had to take the child with him, minus his free time because of his neurotic wife. And I suspect she got a good lecture when she came home!

[Unregistered]

It is absolutely ridiculous how you all think this way. And the first thing they tell you at day care is, "feel free to call any time" that's so mean of you all to be saying all of this. Parents can call until they feel their kids are ok. If it takes a year, do what it takes a year. Maybe you all's job is to make them feel as comfortable as possible and you're not doing your job, instead you're just pouting because they call.

[SilverSabre25]

It is absolutely ridiculous how you all think this way. And the first thing they tell you at day care is, "feel free to call any time" that's so mean of you all to be saying all of this. Parents can call until they feel their kids are ok. If it takes a year, do what it takes a year. Maybe you all's job is to make them feel as comfortable as possible and you're not doing your job, instead you're just pouting because they call.

Oh snap this post is almost two years old. Haha!

In the two years of personal and professional growth since I first wrote this, I defend my position. This family turned out to be a poor, poor fit for me anyway...and I should have termed them the say day I wrote this. Should have termed them during their first week. Mom was never going to be happy with me.

There's call any time...and then there's call every time. The problem with this lady was that if babe was happy she would manufacture problems. Seriously.

Right now my dcm calls periodcially and I'm fine with it. usually she has a reason, like a babe on the edge of being sick or recovering or had a bad drop-off. But it's not every day. And she's relieved when I assure her that all is well.

[Michelle]

It is absolutely ridiculous how you all think this way. And the first thing they tell you at day care is, "feel free to call any time" that's so mean of you all to be saying all of this. Parents can call until they feel their kids are ok. If it takes a year, do what it takes a year. Maybe you all's job is to make them feel as comfortable as possible and you're not doing your job, instead you're just pouting because they call.

you know what?
first of all this is an old post.
second...we are busy taking care of a lot of kids.
I am not going to risk someone falling or getting hurt because a mom is calling all the time.
Unregistered... how many kids do you take care of?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

It is absolutely ridiculous how you all think this way. And the first thing they tell you at day care is, "feel free to call any time" that's so mean of you all to be saying all of this. Parents can call until they feel their kids are ok. If it takes a year, do what it takes a year. Maybe you all's job is to make them feel as comfortable as possible and you're not doing your job, instead you're just pouting because they call.

Wow. If someone wasn't comfortable with me either a.) right off the bat or b.) within a month then I would highly encourage them to find care elsewhere. If they didn't, I would assist them in that process because I couldn't handle a call every single day for a year. That is way too much!

If a parent is that concerned then they really ought to stay home with them or hire a nanny. Obviously they think the child isn't fine/isn't being taken care of properly and I would NEVER put my own child in a situation where I thought they weren't fine or being taken care of properly.

[AnneCordelia]

It is absolutely ridiculous how you all think this way. And the first thing they tell you at day care is, "feel free to call any time" that's so mean of you all to be saying all of this. Parents can call until they feel their kids are ok. If it takes a year, do what it takes a year. Maybe you all's job is to make them feel as comfortable as possible and you're not doing your job, instead you're just pouting because they call.

I don't say 'call any time'. Its right in my contract that I am often busy with the children and will respond to calls and texts at my earliest convenience. I do try to go out of my way to text parents pics of their child for the first few weeks.

Its not my job to coddle parents, although I do try my best for them to be comfortable. It is my job to provide stellar care to their children. If I was on the phone daily with the parents of my 7 enrolled children then I would never get to start actually caring for the kids.

[makap]

I let my answering machine pick up...it says

"Hi! If you are calling to check on your child, don't worry they are fine or I would be calling you! We are in the middle of a super fun activity and I cannot tear myself away long enough to have to answer the phone so I will see you at pick up time. Have a great day!"

If a parent is calling to tell me something (and not checking on their kid) they just leave the info they needed to say and that's it.

I love this! Thank you BC

This is going to be my new voice mail message as of tomorrow!!!

I had one mom that called every single day!

[Cradle2crayons]

I have a facebook group for my parents...mi post pictures through that from my iPad and I also post videos of birthday parties, Easter egg hunts, water balloon fights etc via spree cast.. They can watch it live or after the event is over... My parents love love love both things

[AmyKidsCo]

It sounds like this mom needs a lot of reassurance. Can you email her mid-morning to let her know DCG is doing great? Maybe she'll back off if you take the initiative...

[Cradle2crayons]

My parents never call.... Ever.... Unless their kiddo is acting a little off etc.... I get one text saying they are on the way to care and one text saying they are on e way to pick up... And I require this so that my dogs aren't outside pottying when they drive up.... I have a private fb page that impost updates and pictures and videos etc on... And tag the parent...