How long to reply to a text?

[Anonymous]

I texted a parent inviting their son to an outing that has not yet been planned but my son wants this outing to involve this kid. My text was a very friendly and specified the outing (for a birthday) and asked if there were any weekends that didn't work between now and the end of May. This parent and I don't really text at all so it's not like we are texting frequently and she's just not getting back to me. It's now been 72hrs and there has been no acknowledgement of the invitation, let alone my request for possible dates that don't work. I understand the latter piece requires more time but isn't it plain rude to just ignore the text. I also know this mom is in town and doesn't work.
Wouldn't most people reply with "How nice!! Let me get back to you with dates" or something to acknowledge this invitation.

This parent has been especially rude to deal with since my son made a sports team and her kid did not but I don't see how that can lead to this impossibly rude behavior. It makes me want to retract the invite.

[Anonymous]

Maybe follow up with a phone call?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe follow up with a phone call?

Ordinarily I would but I do know this person is a texter. They're just impossibly rude and have been even more so since the tryouts. I do this for my son but I don't feel the need to follow up with a call. That said, I am so tempted to send a snarky "following up..." text.

[Anonymous]

I would follow up via text, and say we're thinking of x date, does that work for you, DC really wants your kid there etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would follow up via text, and say we're thinking of x date, does that work for you, DC really wants your kid there etc.

+1

And depending on the age, have your kid tell the recipient’s kid he will be getting an invite.

If still no reply then just make plans without the kid.

[Anonymous]

After 72 hours it's slipped my mind and is bumped way down in my messaging app so I'm unlikely to reply.

But maybe when I received it I was in a meeting* but did think "oh how nice, I'll have to check the calendar."

*Meeting could be working, volunteering, having a conversation with my sick parent's doctor, parent-teacher conversation, interacting with a contractor, many other potential things. Noting that since you felt the need to note that this other parent doesn't work.

[Anonymous]

I would send a quick "I'm still hoping to include your son in this. Please reply as soon as you get a chance so I can schedule. THanks."

I have a number of families that we text regularly to coordinate various activities. Everyone is busy. It is not uncommon for people to reply and apologize when they thought that they had replied and didn't, or forgot to check the calendar and get back to someone else, etc. So a quick reminder that they haven't replied is often enough to nudge the reply. We are all well-meaning, but all have busy personal and family schedules. Everyone keeps the good intentions, nudges when needed and we all try to get the kids together as much as possible.

[Anonymous]

You cannot expect anyone to keep every weekend free between now and the end of May. That's what, 6 wks?

you need to decide when you're doing your thing, or 2-3 possible dates and run those past her.

Its annoying when anyone expects you to keep your calendar wide open for something. It means they can't do anything with anyone, just in case its your kids birthday!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You cannot expect anyone to keep every weekend free between now and the end of May. That's what, 6 wks?

you need to decide when you're doing your thing, or 2-3 possible dates and run those past her.

Its annoying when anyone expects you to keep your calendar wide open for something. It means they can't do anything with anyone, just in case its your kids birthday!

Who said anything about that? My text said "Is there a weekend that doesn't work? Trying to figure out a weekend that works with everyone"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would send a quick "I'm still hoping to include your son in this. Please reply as soon as you get a chance so I can schedule. THanks."

I have a number of families that we text regularly to coordinate various activities. Everyone is busy. It is not uncommon for people to reply and apologize when they thought that they had replied and didn't, or forgot to check the calendar and get back to someone else, etc. So a quick reminder that they haven't replied is often enough to nudge the reply. We are all well-meaning, but all have busy personal and family schedules. Everyone keeps the good intentions, nudges when needed and we all try to get the kids together as much as possible.

That’s a nice script.

[Anonymous]

No one thinks this is rude? Quite telling.

If I got a text inviting my kid to anything, I'd acknowledge it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe follow up with a phone call?

Ordinarily I would but I do know this person is a texter. They're just impossibly rude and have been even more so since the tryouts. I do this for my son but I don't feel the need to follow up with a call. That said, I am so tempted to send a snarky "following up..." text.

She hates you. I doubt she is going to respond.

[Anonymous]

I think it is rude not to respond at all, but I would also not want to have to provide a list of my child's availability a month out, nor would I want the event of a less-than-best friend to be controlled by his availability. I'd likely just answer, "not 100 percent sure at this time. I know Billy isn't available X and Y dates (if true). If you let us know the date of the event, he'd certainly like to attend if he's able to make it."

[Anonymous]

This is way too broad of an ask; offer 2-3 dates.

[Anonymous]

sometimes my kid dismisses my text alerts and I miss one. I get a TON of texts. Send a follow-up. Either they forgot or they are avoiding the playdate. Either way, its good to know...