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Parents and Guardians Forum>I HATE Text Messages
lovemykidstoo 10:07 AM 10-17-2012
I am not one to live by my cellphone. I still have a landline. I have one family right now that drives me absolutely nuts. I've posted a few situations here. On Sunday the dad called me on the landline and told me that his daughter wouldn't be here on Monday because she had strep throat. She wasn't schedule for yesterday. Today she was supposed to be here at 8:30 and she never arrived. I figured that they sent me a text message. Found my phone and yup, there it is. Sorry, dcg is not going to be there today. I am good enough to watch your child, but you can't be bothered to call me on a real phone? I didnt' respond to it. About 20 minutes later, the dad called me on the landline. Told him that oh, I didn't see the message. Said, the phone most times is in the car or my purse or shut off, it's best just to call me on my phone. I don't give out my number, but i think one time I took a picture of dcg because she was upset in the morning and mom was worried, so I took a pic on the phone and sent it to her. There ever after she had my cell phone number.
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Brooksie 10:14 AM 10-17-2012
Oh jeez. All my infant parents send me text messages. Yesterday I got one saying they would be picking the DCG up early (around 2). Fine with me. Problem is they didn't show up until 3:30! After the mom got here she didn't say anything, and right before they left I grabbed my phone and there was a text from 3:25 saying they would be there in a few. So I said "Just got your text, I was busy with the kids". These days people just assume that every ones priority is checking their phone. News flash, I have HIGHER PRIORITIES, you know.. the kids you pay me to watch.
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lovemykidstoo 10:19 AM 10-17-2012
That's the thing, so many have that stupid thing stuck to their hand all day. I am not one of them. Yea, you have other things to do like watch their kids is right!! Not to mention that sometimes I have text messages that people say they send me that I never get. Gets lost in cyber space.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 10:41 AM 10-17-2012
I recently had to let parents know that I will ONLY check my phone between 7 am and 6 pm on WEEKDAYS. I was getting very late night texts (11 pm, 2:30am, etc.) and texts on the weekend! I don't want to be tethered to my job 24/7. I'm already feeling burnt out!!!

I much prefer e-mails.
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lovemykidstoo 10:46 AM 10-17-2012
I have even had people leave me messages on my FB. Like I'm on there all the time. I just dont' understand that if little Johnny doesn't show up am I supposed to find my phone to see if I have a message, check my FB, check my email. Here's an idea, CALL ME!!!
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Brooksie 11:03 AM 10-17-2012
I get messages on my DC FB site all the time, But I just don't check it THAT often. Then I feel like I'm being rude bc they've waited days for me to respond. Thats why it says, if you have any questions please call or email me. Some people just can't take a hint, or a blatant comment!
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daycarediva 11:33 AM 10-17-2012
I am probably in the minority here, but all of my parents PREFER to text, and I do too. I tell them to MAKE SURE I am aware if it's important (I text back) and it makes updating so easy for me. I dislike the phone, and talking on it is almost impossible at all times in my house.
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Blackcat31 11:36 AM 10-17-2012
I rarely text but there are times I will sent a quick note to a parent but my general rule is that if they are texting about ANY schedule changes they MUST wait for me to reply that I actually got the text and if I don't reply, then I didn't get it and the change is not ok.
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lovemykidstoo 11:41 AM 10-17-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I rarely text but there are times I will sent a quick note to a parent but my general rule is that if they are texting about ANY schedule changes they MUST wait for me to reply that I actually got the text and if I don't reply, then I didn't get it and the change is not ok.
I think that's what bugs me the most about it. If it's a schedule change, I want a phone call and really the texts that I have gotten have for the most part have been schedule changes. I mean if someone is not going to be there for the day and I'm looking for them and also getting other kids in the door and busy, then I'm not looking at my phone for a message. I have had other people text me like to see if I need a restock on diapers or something that does not need an immediate response. That really doesn't bother me.
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nanglgrl 12:08 PM 10-17-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I rarely text but there are times I will sent a quick note to a parent but my general rule is that if they are texting about ANY schedule changes they MUST wait for me to reply that I actually got the text and if I don't reply, then I didn't get it and the change is not ok.
I have the exact same policy...maybe I got it from you?
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Heidi 12:21 PM 10-17-2012
I'm in the minority too. Once I very reluctantly got on the texting bandwagon, I find it much easier than the phone calls just to relay basic info.

I am not crazy about people texting late at night, though. Of course, I'd be pissed if they called me then, too, but I hate waking at night to "beep beep" because someone sent me a text at 10pm. Hasn't happened too often, though.

My personal pet peeve is people who call my cellphone, then leave a voicemail "call me back". argg! I can see when I missed a call...so if you're someone I know well, I don't need to hear "call me back"...lol. If you a stranger or have some earth-shattering news that just can't wait until I call you...well...yeah..then ok! Of course...you could text me then.... lol
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Lilbutterflie 12:50 PM 10-17-2012
I really don't mind the texting; I too find that it is a very easy and quick way to relay information. If it's something that needs elaborate explanation; better to call. Otherwise, text away! As long as it's not late at night/early in the morning. I haven't had this problem.
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SunnyDay 03:28 PM 10-17-2012
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
I am probably in the minority here, but all of my parents PREFER to text, and I do too. I tell them to MAKE SURE I am aware if it's important (I text back) and it makes updating so easy for me. I dislike the phone, and talking on it is almost impossible at all times in my house.
I'm with you, I hate talking on the phone! Texting was invented for people like us!
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Melinda 04:20 PM 10-17-2012
I don't mind talking on the phone, but when I'm with the kids texts are easier. I prefer text messages and emails (both of which I get on my phone). I can read whenever and my phone is always in my pocket or nearby. I reply ok and it's a done deal. I also periodically send picture messages throughout the day when there is time.
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cheerfuldom 05:01 PM 10-17-2012
I love texting. I find it much easier to say no to parents that way plus I can easily keep helicopter parents happy with a few pics or texts during the day. sending things when I can is much easier than them bugging me about stuff constantly. I have yet to have a parent abuse the situation (knock on wood)
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providerandmomof4 06:57 PM 10-17-2012
I have a land line for dc. I used to have a cell that I used for dc but I got rid of it! I find that parents don't call me for things that they used to text. The ol' "I'll be there today at 4", when there scheduled time is 3 text, just doesn't happen anymore. I don't think that they want to talk to me and say, "I'll be late, again." Parents are so much more reliable when they have to hear your voice.
I have a cell phone and I take it with me anytime we are away from home, but dcp don't call me on it. AND it doesn't have text
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crazydaycarelady 09:54 AM 10-23-2012
I prefer texts also. I get back to them when I can, sometimes quickly sometimes not. I text the parents also.
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MarinaVanessa 11:59 AM 10-23-2012
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
I am probably in the minority here, but all of my parents PREFER to text, and I do too. I tell them to MAKE SURE I am aware if it's important (I text back) and it makes updating so easy for me. I dislike the phone, and talking on it is almost impossible at all times in my house.
Amen. Texts are easier for quick messages, faster, and I receive them no matter where I am. During the day I can't hear anything when I'm on Tue phone anyway because of the lids playing. And I turn the ringer off of all phones during naptime. They know that if they need to actually discuss something with me they need to schedule a meeting or call with me during non daycare hours.
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Chipmunk 08:48 PM 10-23-2012
If you really hate text messages, change your policy to state that you will charge the parents each time they send one - say, $1 per text.

Or tell that particular family you lost/broke/turned off your cell phone and haven't (or wont) gotten a new one - so, it's best for them just to call.

Put your landline number on everything you send home just to drive that point home for them, too.
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Cat Herder 05:50 AM 10-24-2012
I text messages.

It forces them to get to the point instead of beating around the bush for 20+ minutes.

If the issue requires more discussion I simply text back "I will email in a bit" or "I have time for a conference at 6:15 tonight. Will that work for you".

I prefer written documentation to prevent he said/she said later. It also makes it easier to attach documents like their scanned/signed contract for clarification.

I also enforce the "Closed after 6pm" meaning unless there is an emergency (death in family, ER trip, etc) I will not respond until the following day. All lines are assumed silenced.
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Sunchimes 09:34 AM 10-24-2012
I love texts because I hate to talk to real people. We have the understanding that we all reply to texts, even if it's just "k". That way, we know it was received. I have one mom that now and then lets the kids sleep in and come in late. She always sends me a text as she is leaving home so that I am ready to answer the door. Sometimes, by the time I text "k", she's in the driveway because she just lives a few blocks away. But at least I'm not in the back of the house where I can't hear the doorbell.
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Stacy214 10:40 AM 10-24-2012
I'm a texter lol...I won't even answer a phone call, it's less convienant for me and usually at the most incovient times, so with texts, when I am ready and have a free minute I can shoot a text or reply ...I also send lots of pictures to my parents

I would change your policy and let parents know if you don't like it, I think they would understand, texting is a personal preference for sure.
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dave4him 04:30 PM 10-28-2012
I actually use text for two of my DM's just because its easier for me
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lovemykidstoo 07:16 PM 10-28-2012
Like I said in an earlier post, I don't mind texts at all if they're during the day and it's something that's not something that needs my attention immediately because alot of time I don't have my phone right with me. What does irritate me about texting is if it's about a drop off time, such as if someone is not coming for the day or if someone is going to be late. In those cases I appreciate a phone call as if I'm busy, I may not hear the ding of my phone texting. Also, alot of times since I'm not one to utilize my cell that much, it could be in my purse or even in my car. I did tell the one dad that if I don't answer back immediately that means I didn't get it and that he should call me. I told him that I will always answer right away. Some texts for other things like how Johnny's day was or if they want to know if they need more supplies etc, I don't mind that being texted to me at all.
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Meeko 09:15 AM 10-29-2012
I enjoy living in the dark ages. I made TMobile disable all text capabilities. No incoming or outgoing.

Speak to me in person or not at all!

Emails are OK if it's just info and not time sensitive as I don't always check them regularly.
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avaross09 06:01 AM 10-30-2012
I think sometimes it is the easiest way to communicate when you can’t say a word.
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