Blog vs Facebook

[AnythingsPossible]

I am starting preschool with my group this year and want a way to keep parents updated day to day with our activities. I have thought about Facebook but all the parents don't currently use Facebook but said they would if I did a daycare page. My problem with Facebook is that I'm not a huge fan of how the posts appear. I have thought about doing a blog, but am not hugely computer savvy which is why I haven't considered a website. Anyone have advice based on what has worked for you?

[Happy Hearts]

My daycare parents love the Facebook page I have. Their extended families also subscribe and get to see their grandkids, neice/nephews, etc at play.

[SunflowerMama]

I have both and my parents LOVE the fb page because I update it daily with a few pictures, menu, activities, etc. My blog I update weekly with pictures from the week. All my families and extended families are on fb so they love it.

[Crazy8]

if they aren't fb users you might rather use a free blog (blogger, wordpress, etc.) - they are easy to figure out!

all my families were already on fb so it was easier for me to put everything on there.

[newtodaycare22]

I use blogspot.com and I updated it daily at nap time with pictures and stories.

[daycare]

i have a website through yola. I have a paid one that was very cheap, but they also have free ones. I know nothing about how to build a website, but I am pretty pleased with my site...if you would like to see it, pM ME AND I will send you my site so you can see it.

[spud912]

I also have a blog through my website. It's blocked to the public so I can freely post pictures of the kids.

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by AnythingsPossible

I am starting preschool with my group this year and want a way to keep parents updated day to day with our activities. I have thought about Facebook but all the parents don't currently use Facebook but said they would if I did a daycare page. My problem with Facebook is that I'm not a huge fan of how the posts appear. I have thought about doing a blog, but am not hugely computer savvy which is why I haven't considered a website. Anyone have advice based on what has worked for you?

Have you considered using a share site like Shutterfly? You can create a site that is invite only and post photos and events/news right on the site. Parents have to log into it to use but it is private and no one else can see it except those people you invite to join.

http://www.shutterfly.com/nav/signedOutShare.sfly

[Michael]

Wordpress is Open Source and will be around for a long time. You own it unlike Facebook or Shutterfly since you are relying on their licensed software. On the upside they make it easy. Downside; they control.

With "Open Source" wordpress you get a very large community of support and innovation. Here are many of the sites or blogs that I've have using wordpress as the platform. You can use thousands templates free of buy for around $50 each.

I have about 40 wordpress sites. Once you create one the rest are all the same. A few:

http://www.nashville.com/film/
http://www.daycare.com/nannyde/
http://www.nashville.com/music
http://blog.lagunabeach.com
http://www.whisky.com/blog
http://jesse.net
http://www.tgif.com
http://lasvegasjackpot.com
http://www.ccin.com

[Countrygal]

I tried both...... unfortunately it did NOT work - either of them. My parents are either not on the computer or didn't want to check it, or in the case of some, didn't have internet!

My certifier today said I pretty much need a bulletin board with daily updates posted. Meals served, projects done, etc.

I thought the blogspot was GREAT! Parent just had to log in and they could see everything the dck's had done, eaten, etc every. single. day. And I posted pictures (private blog) and everything! It was cool!!! So quick and easy ...... NOT. It worked great for me, but not for them. Now I need to not only type it up but run it off every day. Honestly, if they push me too much, I'll back out on the certification. There is DEFINITELY a limit as to how much I'll jump for 7.50 per hour......

Anyway, that's my story. I'd definitely check with the parents first and see if they use the "net" on a daily basis. If they don't.....forget it.....

[A CHILD's Haven]

I have a blog rather than a website:

http://achildshaven.blogspot.com/