Quote Originally Posted by mickyc View Post
Just curious what is taking so long to talk about? My parents (who ask) usually just say "good day?" I say yep or if not I will say - we didn't bring our listening ears today, we had a timeout because we were pushing our friends today or we had a potty accident etc. I don't go into full on detail about the whole incident because I have already dealt with it and disciplined accordingly.

In the event something major needs to be addressed I send an email to parent during the day.
I have quite a rapport with my daycare parents for the most part. I want to know what is going on at home that may effect their child and I give positive feedback in addition to communicating any negative behaviours. I find it very impersonal to just pass the child back and forth like shared custody of two parents who do not talk. I let a parent know what we have done that day, milestones met and whether they slept and ate well or not. I dont do this for every parent, and also if it just so happens that everyone picks up at the same time, then there isn't really that unless I need to speak to a parent and then I will pull them to one side.

My parents know that no news is good news, but then there are behavioural issues I am working on and it is really important that I constantly check in with the parents verbally each day. I would tell those parents that they need to pick up 10 minutes prior to closing each day so we can touch base. If they were unable to, then I would email them. I also think it is important to not just talk about the negative things at the door, but also share some of the days joys with the families who have to go to work. I did the daily reports years ago but not for a long time now. I forget to do it, or a parent forgets to bring the book back, or they dont read them. I find it is mundane, and inpersonal.

Because I think it is essential that we share care responsibilities and collaborate all the time, I want parents to talk to me, even if it is trivial. It gives me insight into their parenting and how this may affect their child when in my care. I care about these children very much and am invested so to me, talking at the door is part of my job. If there isn't time, then I tell them upfront that I need to leave immediately for an appointment, which is frequently the case so picking up early is important.

Some examples, I have a child who has been suffering anxiety for months. Mom and I constantly brainstorm. I have a 10 minute limit with her simply because of the other children, although the front door is right next to the room and I can multi task. If she is the last to pickup then I talk longer. It is as a result of this, that things have improved. Had I not taken the extra time to talk to them then things would have continued to escalate. If I have to leave or it is later than I would like, then I outright tell a parent that it is time to leave as I have plans. Most of the posts I see on here about many issues are as a result of providers not speaking up for themselves. Take control! Quite often parents take advantage of us or break the rules because we allow them and dont hold up our own contracts.

I understand not giving a play by play on an incident and how you handled it, but sometimes it is essential to talk more about it if for no other reason than to enquire as to whether this kind of behaviour is occuring at home and how it is being managed. Without that conversation, resolution is harder for the child and provider.

I honestly find that the more I invest in those end of day conversations, the better the child is in every aspect and the greater collaboration with the parents I have. That results in a better work day for me and healthier children.

If it doesn't work with another providers schedule I totally understand, we all run our daycares differently, but if a parent is outstaying their welcome, that is on the provider for not being in control and telling them to leave.