There are few phone calls families dread more than the one from childcare saying:

“Your child isn’t feeling well today.”

Because behind that phone call is often immediate stress.

Meetings need to be rearranged.
Work commitments have to be changed.
Trying to work out who can leave.
The worry about your child.
The feeling that the day has suddenly shifted.

At Mother Duck Childcare & Kindergarten, we see that.

We understand that for many families, one unexpected call can create a ripple effect through the entire day—or even the week.

And we know that when emotions run high, it is rarely because families do not care.

Usually, it is because they care deeply… while trying to hold together lives that already feel very full.

As parents ourselves, many of our Franchisees and educators understand this firsthand.

But we would also love to gently share another perspective.

Because making those phone calls can be difficult for educators too.

Behind every phone call is care

At Mother Duck, no educator wants to call a family and tell them their child is unwell.

Because our educators know what that call often means.

They know families may feel stressed.
They know it can disrupt an already busy day.
They know some families may feel overwhelmed, worried or frustrated.

And the truth is:

No educator enjoys making that call.

But when they do, it comes from one place:

Care.

Care for your child who may need comfort, rest and one-to-one support.

Care for the well-being of the other children around them.

Care for the health of the broader community.

Because sometimes children simply need home, familiarity and the people who know them best.

Walking alongside families in difficult moments

At Mother Duck, our educators are not making those calls to make your day harder.

They are making them because they are trying to do what is safest, kindest and most supportive in that moment.

Often before that phone call is made, educators have already:

• Comforted your child
• Monitored symptoms
• Offered reassurance and support
• Provided cuddles, care and connection
• Considered your child’s well-being carefully

These decisions are never rushed and are never taken lightly.

Like families, educators are doing their very best to respond to children’s needs in real time.

 A little understanding for each other

Sometimes, when emotions are high, frustration can unintentionally land on the people making the call.

But behind that phone call is a person too.

An educator who has spent the day caring for children.

An educator who may have been comforting a child through tears.

An educator who is balancing the needs of many children while wanting the very best outcome for everyone.

And they deserve kindness too.

At Mother Duck, we believe this is one of those moments where everyone is often doing their best inside circumstances that can simply feel hard.

Families are stretched.

Educators are stretched.

And at the centre of it all is a child who needs care.

Walking alongside—together

Our value of Walking Alongside reminds us that raising and caring for children is not something we do separately.

We do it together.

That means extending understanding to one another.

Showing a little softness.

Remembering that no one is the enemy in these moments.

Because despite the difficult days, the phone calls and the stress, please know this:

We care deeply about your children.

And we care deeply about your family too.

Because at Mother Duck, we are privileged to walk alongside you—even on the hard days.