Parenting resources
When Should I Call vs. Text my Co-Parent?
With the release of Accountable Calling, co-parents can now place recorded phone calls to their co-parent. While the TalkingParents' Secure Messaging feature has helped parents communicate more effectively, there are times when a call is a more appropriate way to exchange information.
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With the release of Accountable Calling, co-parents can now place recorded phone calls to their co-parent. While the TalkingParents' Message feature has helped parents communicate more effectively, there are times when a call is a more appropriate way to exchange information.
When You Should Text
If It Can Wait
A text is appropriate if the message you are sending is not an emergency, or there is no specific timeline for receiving an answer from your co-parent.
Ex: Asking if your co-parent knows when your child’s report card will come home.
If It Is a Hard Question
Certain questions require more time or consideration from a co-parent. If you are getting ready to ask something that might need more thought, planning, or research to answer, it is a good time to text.
Ex: If you are considering switching the school your child attends, your co-parent may need the opportunity to review more information to be prepared for a conversation.
If It Is a Quick Conversation
Texting is appropriate if a topic will be a quick conversation, or you want to share some news about your child.
Ex: Coordinating a school event or soccer game will usually take a few messages back and forth.
If It Is a Reminder
While TalkingParents does provide recordings and transcripts of each call, sending a text message can be an excellent way to let your co-parent reference something later.
Ex: Reminding your co-parent to read two chapters of the book that your child has started.
When You Should Call
Emergencies
In an urgent situation, there may not be time to wait for the other parent to access their TalkingParents app or receive the notification that you have sent them a message. By placing a call, the other parent can immediately receive the information that they need to respond to the emergency at hand.
Ex: If your child has a medical emergency and you need your co-parent’s assistance.
In-Depth Conversations
Co-parenting requires many serious discussions when it comes to decisions about your children. The back-and-forth can be much simpler through a phone call and avoid misunderstandings that can happen when the tone of a message is unclear through text.
Ex: If your child is experiencing bullying at school, you may need to speak to your co-parent on how to deal with the scenario.
If You Physically Cannot Text
Calling can accommodate those with visual impairments or any physical reason that someone may not be able to text.
If It Is Part of a Custody Arrangement
Certain custodial agreements include phone calls as a way for parents to communicate with each other or with the children.