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# Message parents

Use **Messages** to read and answer parents, send photos, and keep each booking's chat in one place.

## Open Messages

- On a computer, click **Messages** in the left sidebar.
- On the phone app, tap **Messages** in the bottom tab bar.

A number next to **Messages** shows how many unread messages you have. It updates on its own when a new message comes in. At the top of the list you also see the total, for example "3 unread".

## Find a conversation

The list has two parts:

- **Today's active bookings**: chats about children who are booked with you today.
- **All conversations**: everything else, grouped by parent. If a parent has more than one conversation, tap their name to see them all. A **General** conversation is not tied to a booking. A booking conversation shows the child's name and the date.

Unread conversations are shown in bold with a count. To find someone fast, type in **Search by parent or child name**.

On a computer, the conversation opens next to the list. On the phone app, it opens full screen. Tap the back arrow to return to the list.

## Start a conversation about a booking

1. Open the booking from **Bookings**.
2. In the **Parent** section, tap **Message Parent**.

This opens the conversation for that booking, or starts a new one.

## Reply to a parent

1. Type in the **Message parent…** box.
2. To add a photo, tap the paperclip (**Attach image**).
3. Tap send. On a computer, you can press Enter to send and Shift+Enter for a new line.

One tick under your message means it was sent. Two ticks mean the parent has read it. When you open a conversation, its messages are marked as read.

## Other actions

- Tap **Call** at the top of the conversation to phone the parent. It shows only when the parent has a phone number.
- Tap the three dots (**More actions**), then **Delete conversation** and **Remove**. This removes the conversation from your list only. The parent still sees it.

If a booking is canceled, its conversation becomes read-only and you can't send new messages in it.

## Need help?

Chat with us: click the chat bubble in the bottom-right corner, or click your name at the bottom of the left sidebar, then **Help**, then **Contact support**. On the phone, tap **More**, then **Contact support**.