In the modern age where communication is just a tap away, the relentless flood of WhatsApp messages has become a significant source of stress for many. As a father of three, I find myself grappling with the chaos that these group chats create, often wondering if there’s a way to restore some semblance of order to our lives. It’s not just the sheer volume of messages that’s overwhelming; it’s the incessant notifications that disrupt our daily routines and mental peace.

After a tiring day at work, the last thing I want to see when I open WhatsApp is a string of messages about a child’s missed training due to illness. For instance, when I see a message that reads, “Davey is sick and can’t make training,” followed by a flurry of replies from other parents expressing their concern, it fills me with a genuine sense of dread. The cycle continues with more updates: “Oh, I hope little Davey is okay!” or “It’s going around; our Maire had it a few days ago.” While I empathize with little Davey and his family, I can’t help but feel that the coaches likely aren’t too concerned about attendance from a dozen parents.

This realization led me to ponder a solution to what I humorously refer to as the “WhatsApp group messaging disease.” I decided that drafting an article to submit to a publication like The Journal might garner attention and encourage others to address this issue, potentially prompting WhatsApp group administrators to take charge. The saying, “With great power comes great responsibility,” rings true here; it’s time for both admins and parents to be more mindful.

With that in mind, I’ve compiled a set of guidelines aimed specifically at parents and administrators of various sports and activity groups, including GAA, swimming, soccer, drama, and gymnastics. These suggestions are designed to create a more manageable communication environment.

The New WhatsApp Rules for Admins and Parents

1. The Joy of Polls
   Admins should embrace the use of polls instead of sending numerous messages asking, “Who’s coming to the match?” It’s a simple click of a button—Yes or No. However, it’s crucial to set them up correctly to allow for clear responses. Parents should remember that the coaches are not interested in “maybes.” Avoid sharing lengthy explanations about potential attendance; a simple Yes or No suffices!
2. Communicating with Clarity
   Admins need to ensure their messages are clear and concise, specifying times, dates, and exact locations. Vague messages only lead to unnecessary questions. Parents, take a moment to read messages carefully. Avoid responding in a panic when the answers are right there; think before you type!
3. Timing is Key
   Admins should be considerate of others’ schedules. While you may be enjoying a sunny afternoon, keep in mind that not everyone can respond immediately due to work commitments. Aim for communication windows between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, unless absolutely necessary. Parents, be mindful that your messages impact multiple people. Refrain from sending off-topic comments during work hours; it’s important to respect the group’s collective time.
4. Expressing Gratitude
   Admins, your hard work does not go unnoticed. Parents, while expressing thanks is courteous, it’s often more meaningful to convey your appreciation in person. Having your child say thank you can be more impactful than a digital thumbs-up.
5. Managing Group Membership
   Admins should actively curate the group, removing individuals who are no longer involved. It’s a common concern that people linger out of fear of causing offense. Cleaning up the group can enhance everyone’s experience. Parents, if you find you don’t belong in a particular group, don’t hesitate to leave. It’s not a personal affront; it’s about streamlining communication.
6. Addressing Illness
   Admins only need to be notified of illnesses when it affects attendance at matches for planning purposes. During training sessions, it’s perfectly acceptable for parents to stay silent about a child who is unwell; just use the poll to register their absence.

While I have much more to say on this topic, I felt compelled to share these thoughts as it’s a pressing issue for many parents like me. I hope this article gains traction and finds its way into various WhatsApp groups, even if that slightly contradicts the guidelines I propose.

To all the administrators out there: We appreciate the essential role you play. Your work is vital, often done voluntarily, and it’s crucial to stand firm in enforcing these suggested guidelines. For my fellow parents, remember to take a moment before replying to messages. Together, we can create a more peaceful and organized group messaging experience!

The writer is a dad living in Cork.