After hours texting

[dodge__driver11]

deleted as it may contain identifying information

[bright sparks]

So I have a couple of clients who have gotten comfortable texting or phoning during my off hours. Mostly texting, the phone calls have been only about two. I had one client who would text me at 5 am... not sick calls, either, just questions that could have waited until they got here at 7:30 Fortunately, I said something, and those ones stopped. But now I have another client who texts me after hours... anywhere between 7 and 9 pm. Again, these are not "____ is sick and wont be in tomorrow" These texts are silly things, frivolous questions that can wait until drop off. I have politely dropped the hint that this is not ok with me... but this client is not getting it. Would you guys start including a notice about this into your newsletter? I can't believe I have to explain to an adult that anything non emergency should not be coming to me after hours.

I have a couple of parents who think nothing of messaging me on a weekend or at say 8pm at night. It's hard to ignore I know as your phone starts going off and obviously being a personal cell phone, I think it is a difficult thing to turn it off if it means preventing family and friends contacting you. So here is my suggestion...Do not address this in a newsletter. There are always those people who ignore you no matter how many letters or written notices you send home, and personally I think it is a very passive way of not confronting the issue head on so doesn't ever shock me when parents use this to their advantage. I would have a face to face conversation with all the parents then you can resolve this once and for all and there is absolutely no way these people can avoid the situation or disregard it. Inform parents that text messaging is no longer a method of communicating that you are willing to have as part of your business. Telephone calls during business hours only and emails after hours if absolutely necessary which you will respond to as soon as you are able to. No doubt you will be asked why these changes to which I would simply answer that you are overwhelmed by non emergency contact on a daily basis including evenings and weekends and that you have your policy on this stated in your contract and have reminded people but that this has not helped so the cell phone number should be deleted from everyone's phone books and should you receive any future contact via this method then you will be forced to delete the message..... this will make them aware of what to expect. You are confronting the problem face to face with absolutely no passiveness, you are explaining WHY this action is being taken and you are making it clear to each and every parent what the outcome will be if they do not follow the policy. Put your foot down and deal with this now, and head on!

[mattsmom]

My parents can contact me via phone call, email or message on FB, so there is no need for texts. Although, if it's something about the child being sick or a time sensitive matter, I would rather them just pick up the phone and call me, within reasonable hours.

[Lou]

I personally welcome texts over phone calls, because I can get back to them at MY earliest convenience. I have had an "over texter" in the past and I would just let her texts build up over the evening by ignoring them until I had some down time and respond to all her questions then. That being said, if you are feeling overwhelmed with it I would definitely just make a note in your next newsletter: "While I love our busy days together, after daycare hours are very important for my own family time. Please address questions regarding your child's day during drop off and pick up and limit after hours communication for emergencies only. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation- my family and I appreciate it!"

[nschildcare]

I don't have to deal with this, thank goodness, but I agree with above. What she has written is perfect, polite and to the point. Maybe even just tell them that the next time that they text you. They probably have no idea that it bothers you.

[Polkaroo]

I agree with 5LM, I prefer text messages and don't mind when they're sent because I choose to reply and when. I always tell parents to only call if it's urgent or need to talk to me about something important. They also know that I will only call in case of an emergency. But that's just me.