---
title: "Read and reply to a parent message"
description: "Use the Messages tab to read parent inquiries, reply with text or photos, and keep conversations private to the right people."
type: guide
updated: 2026-09-15
canonical_url: https://help.nestlicare.com/teachers/messaging/read-and-reply-to-a-parent-message
roles: ["teacher"]
platforms: [ios, android, web]
---
Messages from parents are usually simple ("Sally forgot her water bottle today?") or occasionally urgent ("Medical update: new allergy"). Handle them promptly — most families appreciate a reply within an hour or two.

## Open your messages

1. Open the app → **Messages** tab (paper-airplane icon, bottom nav).
2. Every conversation you're part of is listed, newest first: families, and any colleagues you message directly.
3. A row with a teal count badge has messages you haven't opened yet.
4. Staff-only announcements live on the **Team Messageboard**, which is on the **Dashboard** tab rather than here.

<ScreenshotWithPointers
  src="/screenshots/teachers/messaging/messages-list.png"
  alt="Messages list in the staff app"
  pointers={[
    { x: 71.6, y: 5.6, caption: "New — start a conversation with a parent or a colleague" },
    { x: 1, y: 17.4, caption: "Search — filter by parent name or keyword" },
    { x: 81.1, y: 28.7, caption: "Unread count — a teal badge on the row means you haven't opened it" },
    { x: 14.7, y: 29.1, caption: "Preview of the last message — decide priority at a glance" },
  ]}
/>

## Reply

1. Tap the conversation.
2. Type in the box at the bottom, or tap 📎 to attach a photo.
3. Tap **Send**.

Messages are delivered instantly if the parent has the app open, or via push notification if not.

## Start a new conversation

Tap the **square-with-pencil** compose icon at the top-right of the Messages tab. The **New Message** picker lists everyone you can message:

<ScreenshotWithPointers
  src="/screenshots/teachers/messaging/new-message.png"
  alt="New Message picker — Support, Staff, Parents sections"
  pointers={[
    { x: 1, y: 15, caption: "Search contacts — filter by name across every section" },
    { x: 1, y: 32.7, caption: "Support — NestliCare Support as a catch-all direct channel" },
    { x: 1, y: 42.8, caption: "Staff — your fellow teachers and directors, with their room. Tap to start a staff-only 1:1. Scroll further for Parents: every parent of a child in your rooms" },
    { x: 1, y: 20.7, caption: "New group message — one thread with several people at once" },
  ]}
/>

Tap a row to start the thread. If the parent has a co-parent in the system, you'll see an option to include them (a **Family** conversation instead of **Direct**).

## Read receipts

A checkmark next to your message means the parent has seen it. If it's been a day and there's no checkmark, assume they haven't read it — a phone call might be warranted for anything urgent.

## Conversation types

- **Direct**: 1:1 with a single parent. Most common for teachers.
- **Family**: all parents on a single child. Useful when both parents want to be in the loop.
- **Room**: broadcast to every parent in a classroom. Rarely initiated by teachers — usually admins send these.
- **Group**: custom mix. Used for coordinating between teachers + families on specific topics.

You can't change a conversation's type after it starts. If a parent messages you directly and you realize it concerns the family's other parent too, either loop them in a new family conversation or tell them to add their co-parent via the parent app.

<Callout kind="tip" title="Message the family, not just one parent">
When a parent asks something ("Can Jackie get extra sunscreen?"), consider replying in a **Family** conversation (or starting one) so both parents see the thread. Prevents one parent telling you one thing and the other telling you the opposite.
</Callout>

## What parents see on their side

They get a push notification (if they have them enabled), the message lands in their Messages tab, and the unread badge updates. They can reply inline — no separate thread.

## Troubleshooting

**"Can't find a parent to message."** Your "staff contacts" list only shows parents with children in your assigned rooms. If you need to message a parent outside your room, an admin has to create the conversation — or add you to that child's room temporarily.

**Message shows as sent but parent says they didn't get it.** Push notifications may be off on their side. The message is still in their app — ask them to open it directly.

**Sent something by mistake.** Tap the message, **Delete**. It disappears from both sides, but a "Message deleted" placeholder remains in the thread so the conversation still makes sense.

**Can't edit a sent message.** Correct — we don't support editing. Delete and resend, or send a correction in a new message.

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