Sister tested positive. Can she put her DC in the garden for me to watch?

[PourOutTheTea]

My sister sounds v. poorly :( Her DC are 5 and 3 so not old enough to do much unsupervised.

Could she put them in the garden for me to watch? I would come in through the back gate and try my best to distance from them but again they're 5 and 3.

I can't see the problem if you're happy with the risk. Your poor sister. I'm guessing dad isn't on the scene? Is it sustainable tho having an outside day with such young children though.

Sorry no, you can't distance from such young children.

What, like a dog? No! I’m assuming she has no one else to look after them? What would you do if she has to go to hospital? Can you go in to look after them, keeping your distance as much as possible?

At 3 and 5 you wouldn’t just be watching them though, you’d need to attend to them and actively care for them. You wouldn’t be able to social distance all of the time. Either go all out with helping her or don’t offer if you’re concerned about spreading COVID.

Also the weather is awful. It’s cold and wet! They can’t be outside.

@Soontobe60. Desperate times desperate measures and all.

What a tough position to be in. Hopefully she’ll feel better ASAP. Can the kids watch tv and you leave packed lunches for them?

Childcare is exempt from distancing I believe. If she can't look after them then you must. Indoors.

At that age they are likely to need the loo and to eat and drink.
Have them in the house. We are told that children that young pose very little risk of spreading it.

If you are happy with the risk of catching it, could they come and stay with you for a few days? It's not ideal, but if she's poorly bless her.
Me and my sibling have a pact that if one of our households v poorly then the other will scoop the kids and have them for a few days. There is no other option if parent is too poorly to look after young children.

@throwaway100000

They can be outside, my 2 and 4 year old have been outside all day pretty much in the pouring rain; they love it and with the right clothes in didn’t get wet

I'd say she goes to bed with everything she needs and shuts herself up in her room, and you look after them downstairs. Or bring them to your house. Poor family

Your poor sister. I’m all for following the rules but if she’s unwell, needs help and you’re happy to help out, then I’d just do it. Aren’t there exceptions for childcare anyway?

I hope your sister gets better soon.

Meant to say, hope she gets well soon

I'm currently positive and feel v sorry for her but stand by what I said, it is impossible to meet the needs of such children whilst distancing.

There aren't any easy answers because anyone who helps with the children would need to isolate too.

Yes I'd help if you're happy to take the risk. Extra handwaahing and no kissing them.
Your poor sister

If you are needed to watch the children then you will have to adhere to the 14day isolation and look after them properly.

I meant to say that also that I think I’d just bring them to my house and let your sister rest, obviously checking on her regularly.

I am covid positive now. Feel dreadful. No way could I look after young children right now.
Move into her home, she stays in room and surfaces cleaned. You're allowed support bubble

I wouldn't unless you live alone!

You would be best to move in and isolate with the household for 14 days, I would think?

Yes but then you must self isolate also as a de facto member of their household.

Rules about bubbling, distancing outside are NOT the same when someone is Covid positive!!! Unfortunately I think the situation is either do what help you can from afar, or go all in and stay with them/take the children knowing you will have to quarantine for 14 days

We're all assuming there is no other adult in the scene? In that case I would expect her to have formed a support bubble with another household. If that is the case that bubnled household should also be isolating and support for the children should come from there. That is why single parents are encouraged to form one.

If she’s too ill to look after them then they should come to stay with you for a while. If she’s just about functioning then drop round some home cooked food, sweets and some new (to them) toys.

You can't do that, it's the back end of October! Poor buggers won't be comfortable and will need to come inside to use toilets etc.

It's not workable. Maybe you could take them in and look after them full time until she's better.