From my last post, about DCM who is upset with the length of DCB's nap (too short).
I emailed her last Thursday that our nap schedule was as accommodating as possible and that she needed to give him some time to adjust (it had been his first day).
I got no response. He is supposed to come back tomorrow for the first time since the email.
I'm annoyed that she didn't at least send back an 'ok.' or something, a quick email response seems like the polite thing to do.
Do I bring it up tomorrow? Just pretend that nothing happened?

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I would say something.

Maybe a quick "Hey Judy, did you get my email?"


You could also consider giving her a call and just say you are following up on your e-mail and making sure there aren't any questions on here end.

I usually add something on the bottom of my e-mails saying something like "Please let me know that you received this message"

I also mention to my parents during enrollment and when I send out mass e-mails that I would appreciate a reply (even a quick "Got it") so that I know the info reached them as I don't have time to follow up with everyone so it's easier if they just reply.

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I usually find if I don't get a response back in a timely manner, it's because the parent is stewwing about something. This mom needs to understand that there is an adjustment period. I would address it of she doesn't write back before drop off, and also ask of there is a better form if communication (text, phone call, etc). It really bothers me when parents don't respond to something I feel is important. This might just be a dcm you can't please- better to know now.

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I agree.

I have GROUP care. Some kids nap for 3 hours at home. Some do not nap at home. ALL kids get a 90 minute rest period here.

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Welcome to my world . After repeatedly telling parents to respond so I know they were received, I'm lucky if I get 1 response. I even ask questions in the emails. When asked if they are received, I always get "oh yeah I got it." Then I say "well there were questions I had asked you in the email....." Their response is "oh I'm sorry hahaha."

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This is a fabulous idea, I will start using it immediately.

I'm guessing this is our issue, she is unhappy with my response. I fully expect her to have called around day care shopping, in fact, and are prepared for a term. Which wouldn't be that bad.

I emailed her again to follow up. In fact, all it said was, We are following up because we didn't hear back, look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Evidently we will go on as normal.

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An easy way to know if they have read your email is to send it with a "read response" Then you know if they saw it and are simply ignoring you.

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Maybe it's because I'm older than some of you and email (or texts) didn't exist when I was younger, but if it's something important that I need an answer for or just want to know without any doubt that you got the message.. I either call (not text) and talk to the parent directly or print off a hard copy for them.. Don't leave it in a backpack or a folder, but look a parent in the eye and hand it to them. Problem avoided..

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I don't text with parents...ever.

It allows them to be too bold. It's too easy for them to text and state "Going to be late picking up late today!" ...as if they are just TELLING me how it's gonna be. Calling me makes them be more responsible and they know I will voice my displeasure...so they think twice.

It's common knowledge that people say things via text etc..that they would never say in person. People bully and hide behind their typing. So I don't allow it.

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I actually don't mind a text if they are running late. Even if it comes across as them telling me how it's gonna be. I actually don't mind if they do it repeatedly, as the more times they are late, the more cash goes in my pocket. It's also good with me if they text me they will be late and I have to be somewhere, as there is plenty of room in my van for extra kids. I'll text back with the new pick up location 😊

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I use texting as a communication tool with my parents.
I find it an easy way to keep in touch on the little details during the day.

If any of my parents abuse the privilege, then I would put a stop to that quickly.

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So update, I got a response to me 'check in' email, four paragraphs sent at 7:15 pm the night before he was supposed to be here.
I ignored it until today at nap time.

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I'm guessing it wasn't good news, and that he didn't come today? What a stupid reason for changing daycares after a child has already started to settle in. That's way more traumatic for a little kid than a slightly shortened nap, good grief.

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Haha actually it was a long list of other things she would like done specially for him. And he came today. And cried and cried and cried, and so did DCM.

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Omg, on only the second day she has a list of 'demands'?

Well you gotta share. I'd love to know a few of them!

Mom cried?

Laurel

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Don't leave us hanging .

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Sorry to leave you hanging.

Special naps, napping space, and special after nap snack of milk; special bug spray, sunscreen and butt cream; special outdoor hat; special daily sheet so she knows each and every one of his habits.

And each request enveloped in a note about how special he is.

And today he has been inconsolably sobbing ALL.DAY.

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That does all sound pretty special!!!

Why hasn't this Mom looked into getting a Nanny?

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That boy needs to go home dirty. I'd love to see the reaction.

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I have many kiddos here who have their own spray, sunscreen, bottom cream, outdoor hat, and I naturally send home a daily sheet with ALL kids in my care (via e-mail). I would be bothered by a mom demanding things but most of the actual things she is wanting WOULDN'T bother me.

Special naps, napping space, and after nap snack? That wouldn't work for me and I would kindly reinforce that we follow a schedule here and do things for the children that work best for the group as a whole. Snacks are decided on and provided by me so I don't do preferences.

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I do know what you mean, I'm much less worried about some of these things than about the sheer amount of things she is VERY concerned about. We did originally agree to a very small number of dietary substitutions, but now she wants to change the snack, etc etc etc. And we are fine with the bug spray, diaper stuff, hat, etc. We are also going to do a daily report for a few weeks. I'm just waiting to see where it ends (and I'm guessing it doesn't).

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I don't know how you feel about terminating (I'm not a big terminator at all, personally, but for the most part, I respect others' decisions on their own situations) but I'm guessing it does end if you catch my drift

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Unfortunately, those that request a lot (to the point that I feel anxious or bitter) tend to either get with the program quickly after I begin saying no or they leave. Usually, they leave.

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What kind of special nap space does she want? Does he need to have his own little race car shaped bed (sorry, I can't recall how old he is)? Is she afraid he'll get cooties from sleeping 3ft away from another child?

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just sounds like they are not a good fit for your program and that would bother the death out of me if someone asked to have all that special.

this stuff she is asking would work for me as I do make every child have individual stuff as you listed and we do have a big snack after nap. I do offer separate sleeping space for the younger kids.

BUT it is your program and she signed on agreeing to it, so she better get on board or get on going.

I agree with whoever said as soon you start putting your foot down they normally will just leave.

I hope it settles down soon....what a bummer to have to deal with this....Especially so darn soon. Most people put their best foot forward and then after the honey moon phase they act up.

GUess it's better to know now than later.....

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Seriously?! Do you work for her, of did she choose your program based on what YOU offer?! This type of parent ticks me off. I agree that certain "special" on her list isn't so out of the ordinary, but there are better and more appropriate ways to address this than an email with a list, or however they did it. For example, dcm could drop off the child and hand you the special sunscreen and hat, casually. I have a dcg whose dad is a dermatologist so they are crazy about making sure she has a hat and sunscreen. So, ya know what- they let me know that at the interview, and I said, "of course" because I already apply sunscreen 2x's a day, and almost every kid has a hat. Sorry, a little rant here. But I do love all the snarky comments about the special child- you guys always give me a good laugh.

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