How much do you tell the parents?

[Judy Trickett]

I tend to tell them what they need to know. That means I pass along any unusual info. Things like if the kid didn't eat well or nap well or had a fall or a scrape. But otherwise I just keep things to myself that don't really matter or are developmental that usually pass. I find that a lot of parents now get defensive and think something is wrong if you tell them one itty bitty little negative thing. So, unless it's a negative that could potentially get a family termed then I just keep it to myself rather than have, yet again, another long, drawn out discussion about something that parents don't understand.

[playfelt]

I find the same thing Judy in that if there is a problem it is of course our fault and therefore if the child is developing a bad habit or not developing at the rate they should etc. we are to blame and therefore telling the parent often puts them on the hunt for another caregiver. Better to just keep it to ourselves till we have reached the point we just don't want to anymore.

[Other Mummy]

I tend to give parents the generalized mood of the day. Little Johnny went potty, no accidents, little suzy fell and scratched herself on the playground, etc. Like Judy and Playfelt, unless it directly affects the other children in my care (eg. Little Johnny threw a toycare at Suzy's head) then I don't bother with the small details. I also try to give a positive anecdote of the day "little suzy was a great helper today with the other children). The Only time I've gone into details is when the parents and I are working on an issue specific to their child (eg. aggression, potty training, etc.)