Texting

[PitterPatter]

I never thought texting would be a problem but some issues have came up. I have had clients say they sent a text stating they wouldn't be attending daycare, and another say that she would be late for pick up. I don't have problems with receiving anyone elses texts so I assume they are lying. These are becoming more frequent now so that I waive the pick up fees. I am solving that by no longer waiving ANY fees regardless of being informed or not.

Another issue with texting I have is the amount of texts. 1 DCM will text me at least 5 times a day sometimes 10 or more! Last month she sent 142 texts to my phone!! With my own texting of friends and the other client as well it has put me over my texting package. I shouldn't have to take on a larger package costing more money just so she can text me. If she would stop or at least limit them I wouldn't have a problem. I have asked the repeated texter not to text and pick up the phone instead when she has a lot to say. I have also told her I don't want to know her personal life but still the next day there it is "My bf came home late..."

How do I stop this? I thought about ending ALL texts with clients but it doesnt seem fair because it is so convenient but it gets abused. Do any of u have guidelines regarding texting in your handbooks? I'm about to start charging her the .20c per text overage she makes me receive. I can't block texts either I already asked.

[dEHmom]

for the texts regarding not coming or late or whatever, require them to receive a response from you, otherwise, it is not received and they will be required to resend or phone.

as for personal texts, just don't respond to them. you shouldn't be charged for incoming texts, only outgoing. so by not responding, or ONLY responding with what you feel is necessary, then you are limiting your texting. you could also advise this mom, there will be no more texting communication for her, and if she needs to discuss with you, it's over the phone or in person only. also inform her that any overages due to her texting will be added to her bill and care will not continue until all fees are paid in full.

[nannyde]

I love texting. It's the best invention since the internet.

I have unlimited texting so they can text away. I just send them back a "k" when I get it.

[mac60]

Easy, I would be sending out notice at once that starting on this date....no text will be received from daycare families, use the home phone number. I have never given my daycare families my cell number. They don't need it. Call me on the home phone. I don't belive in texting for a business, and that is what we are.

[sharlan]

Easy, I would be sending out notice at once that starting on this date....no text will be received from daycare families, use the home phone number. I have never given my daycare families my cell number. They don't need it. Call me on the home phone. I don't belive in texting for a business, and that is what we are.

I agree. IF it's important enough that you need to contact me, call. I don't walk around with my cell phone in hand.

[littlemissmuffet]

I don't use a cell phone, but even if I did, one rule of mine is that lates/earlies and no shows all require a PHONE CALL. Any other method is considered null in my mind, and my parents know this.

Not informing me of lates/earlies or no shows more than twice will result in termination for not following policy and procedure.

I charge late fees regardless of whether or not I have been informed. Otherwise, parents will take advantage. If you work overtime in any other job, you get paid - why not this one??

[cheerfuldom]

I love texting but would talk to each parent or send out a letter that texting is kept to daycare related issues only.

[PitterPatter]

for the texts regarding not coming or late or whatever, require them to receive a response from you, otherwise, it is not received and they will be required to resend or phone.

as for personal texts, just don't respond to them. you shouldn't be charged for incoming texts, only outgoing. so by not responding, or ONLY responding with what you feel is necessary, then you are limiting your texting. you could also advise this mom, there will be no more texting communication for her, and if she needs to discuss with you, it's over the phone or in person only. also inform her that any overages due to her texting will be added to her bill and care will not continue until all fees are paid in full.

I get charged for EVERY text incomming and outgoing. Always have but it has never been a problem as I don't text much. I may send 5 texts per day to friends. She texts me more than that usually.

I will take your advise. I am going to make a new rule/policy stating that the informative calls be made to my home phone unless we are on a field trip or something. I just feel silly entering something like that into my handbook. It's just not something that should ever be a problem in the 1st place. When I get texts saying they will be late arriving or something I do send "k" back so as not to engage in further convo but to let it known it was received.

Also there is no emotion in texting and she has had attitude with me in the past and I didn't even know it so now when I get Yep or Whatever, I think it's attitude. UGH Just drop your kid off and leave me alone!

[dEHmom]

I get charged for EVERY text incomming and outgoing. Always have but it has never been a problem as I don't text much. I may send 5 texts per day to friends. She texts me more than that usually.

I will take your advise. I am going to make a new rule/policy stating that the informative calls be made to my home phone unless we are on a field trip or something. I just feel silly entering something like that into my handbook. It's just not something that should ever be a problem in the 1st place. When I get texts saying they will be late arriving or something I do send "k" back so as not to engage in further convo but to let it known it was received.

Also there is no emotion in texting and she has had attitude with me in the past and I didn't even know it so now when I get Yep or Whatever, I think it's attitude. UGH Just drop your kid off and leave me alone!

I thought it was illegal or something to be charged for incoming texts because it is not something you can control. Maybe they only passed that in Canada? I could receive a billion texts at no charge. I have unlimited texting in my plan, so it doesn't affect me either way, but I'd block texting again (as I once did) on my phone if i was charged incoming. That's just theft from the service providers in my opinion.

[Crystal]

Easy, I would be sending out notice at once that starting on this date....no text will be received from daycare families, use the home phone number. I have never given my daycare families my cell number. They don't need it. Call me on the home phone. I don't belive in texting for a business, and that is what we are.

Same here. ITA.

[Blackcat31]

I do NOT text any of my daycare families. I can see how it would work for some when it is busy and they simply need to tell you something short and quick, but unless you have some really respectful parents who would not lie about sending one or receiving one, I can see how this can be a problem. I don't even give any of my dcp's my cell number....some of mine would be calling/texting with the dumbest questions/issues so I provide an answering machine (with time and date) at both my home and my childcare. I do NOT take daycare calls in the evenings or on the weekends, although I do check my messages in case there are changes or issues that MUST be addressed.

But for the most part, I try really hard to keep my work life and home life very separate from each other. I have thought of getting a cell for work only but I sometimes think that texting with some people can become a big PITA... I think it removes the personal aspect or responsibility of some things. It is all too easy for a parent to say, "Well, I sent you a text, didn't you get it?"

I am NOT saying it is a bad thing because for some, it seems to work great but for me, I am just not ready to go there yet.

[Live and Learn]

I have unlimited texting so it would be no big deal here financially but.......

I don't text with any of my dc parents.

If it is something important they call me for anything else they email me.

[Sunshine44]

What cell provider do you have? I used to work for a cell phone company and many (if not all) do not charge for incoming texts.

Anyway, If texting is a problem for you...don't allow them to do it anymore. I like the idea that you have to send them a reply for it to be 'received'.

[daycare]

I have had the same issue in the past. I do have unlimited texting, but I hate texting and I had a few families that were being dishonest. They would show up late and they say oh well didnt you get my text. Um NO I didnt

so I added this to my PHB: please take from it what you want if anything..

Proper Notification:
With all of the changes in technology, a lot of people rely on text messaging, and emailing to communicate. Due to the nature of the provider’s daily schedule, it does not include time for checking text messages and emails in the morning or late night hours. If you need to report any information of importance with the provider (ex: child is going to absent due to illness) please call and talk directly to the provider. Text messages and emails will not be accepted to inform Provider of absence, dropping off early or picking up late, or termination of contract.

[Cat Herder]

I love, love, love the texts. Especially video and photos. When they say "My child does not do that" I send them a clip-it. ::::

I have lots of photos of kiddies happily eating broccoli/asparagus and even a few videos of world class tantrums with follow up cheshire grins when they get their way, as evidence of the true issue, are in my album... Very handy for the parents who think they are just sad and have seperation anxiety.

I did not like texting with clients at first because, like you, it got out of hand from time to time. Occasionally you have to gently remind them that you are not their friend and are at work.

When my parents start going overboard because they are bored at work, are not talking to their co-worker and need to vent about their day, etc I do the retraining email of "Sorry guys, I dropped my cell in the dishwater (dog ate it, lost charger, etc) and will not have a replacement for the rest of the week. If it is urgent please email and I will respond as soon as possible."

After a few days absence they find someone else to talk to....hopefully their family and friends. This happens about once a year....

I reserve my home phone for family and friends and turn off my work cell after the last child is picked up daily and on weekends.