Communication Journal? (Notebook)

[mlc1982]

I started with a journal/notebook type of thing for my first two parents. That lasted a whole month maybe and I decided it was a waste of time. Anything that I put in there was normally discussed at the door anyways and when I asked questions, the parents didn't write back but instead just told me the next day at drop off or pick up. It seemed like extra work that I didn't need.
I've put a white board up at my front door and I will write what we eat on a daily basis there. I will also write if I need supplies from anybody and also days off. If there is anything else the parents want to know that day, they ask and if there is anything further for me to tell the parents, I tell them by mouth.

[zen39]

I've always done a communication journal. I don't write about what they ate (I have a menu posted for that); or bowel movements. Instead I use it to write down cute things they did or said that day, or a particular activity they enjoyed, something new they experienced.

My parents absolutely love these journals and some have said that they'll be placed in their childs keepsake box for the future.

These journals are a great idea not only for memento sake but also to allow a parent a glimpse into the day of their child while they are away from them.

I don't write anything lengthy, a small paragraph is needed. I've always jotted things down into a notebook about my own children...i.e. funny things they said and years later when I've forgotten them, I can now go back and read about it and remember those times.

In my opinion, these journals are a keepsake, not a waste of time.

[gcj]

I have to use it. I'm too distracted at pick-up time to be able to remember what I want to tell them!

[lilac]

If the parents want one, I do one. My very first family had 2 year old twins, and I did the journal every day. I realized quickly that they never read it. I had noted and highlighted 2 days in a row that I needed more diapers, and found myself on the 3rd day having to drag the kids up to the store b/c mom and dad never read the notes and didnt bring me more diapers.... so I quit the journal with them. However, with the 1 year old I look after now, its working great, the parents always look at it and I write stuff down that I know I'll forget at pick up time.