Parents on WhatsApp group offering childcare

[LosersClub]

What's everyone's thoughts on this? Several parents have today offered to look after each others children on their days off. Aibu to think these parents are being selfish and kids shouldn't be mixing with each other at a time like this?!

I understand why they might want to do this, but goes against all the guidelines for social distancing. I couldn't babysit for a family today, never mind doing it for friends/acquaintances.

I can see both sides of this - it must be very worrying, trying to work out how you are going to carry on working, if you aren't on the keyworker list but still need to carry on going to work to earn money and pay the bills - and parents helping each other is part of the community pulling together, to get through this.

But yes, it does go against social distancing, and may not be the best idea.

I think everyone is doing their best to cope, and I wouldn't criticise parents who do this, or parents who feel it is not a good idea. They all have some justification for their opinions.

*a family member

This is something I’m so torn over. I’m working from home and my lovely best friend isn’t a key worker but if she doesn’t work she won’t get paid. She’s got 2 daughters and I’d love to help her out, I usually so all the time but I’m holding off offering and it’s killing me!xx

I do think it would be a good idea for two or three families to team up for childcare, as long as they then social distances from everyone else. It would enable parents to still be able to carry on with work. But a free for all definitely goes against social distancing.

But if they were at school they'd be mixing?

There is a clear mental block. People are really not understanding. I think that we need to stop calling it social distancing- it’s too vague. Call it quarantine, lockdown, anything that makes it clearer to the ones that just don’t get it.

Our school is open for Key Workers. That list is extensive, I can see many many families sending their children to school. School have sent a letter to say the children will be safe. I simply fail to see the difference between that and helping friends out with childcare at home? I have offered to take the children of my DP's work next week as their childcare has collapsed. People are doing what they can to get by.

If I hadn't been thankfully put on the critical workers list today, I would have absolutely been begging friends to look after my son for me. I'm a lone parent. I understand the situation. I really do. But I have to work.

This is why the situation is ridiculous as trained , vetted and qualified childminders are not allowed to work so people are relying on friends and others who may be non of these things and the
children are at the same risk as they would be with childminders .

I agree childminders would be better. Small groups, always the same children. So much better than swaps and changes.

Well I totally understand offering to look after people children in an Emergancy. I’m going to need to go to varying hospital appointments over the next few weeks and won’t be able to take my children. I can’t leave them on their own yet and I’m a single parent. Again, if we can only shop one person then I will need someone to watch them. Usually they would go to grandparents. Obviously that can’t happen. People are trying to help each other out.

But all the many key workers’ children will be in school in large groups every day there will be no social distancing for them.

There is a clear mental block. People are really not understanding

Or maybe they're just wanting to make enough money to pay their rent, or get to a hospital appointment? With nurseries and childminders closed, what are people who can't work from home and won't get paid (and will get fired) if they don't show up, but aren't key workers eligible for schooling, supposed to do? If the govt wants a full quarantine then they need to (a) shut the pubs and (b) find a way to compensate / protect the jobs of those stuck at home doing childcare.

Until then, I find the tutting of those who are privileged enough to be able to manage childcare at home really unimaginative about the situations of others.

I’m looking after a friends child and I have several people that will be looking after my daughter. I have no option as I’m working.

Children form a couple of families doubling up for childcare is still much more distanced than if they were at school. It’s about reducing contacts at the moment, not eliminating completely.

Stupid to even suggest it !

Here's the government closing schools, restaurants, leisure centres, theatres etc to close................and some twat thinks it'd be a good idea to gather people/ kids together again ! :(

Words fail me.........................:(

nowayhose So what do you suggest those of us that are working do?

Pairing up with one other family seems a very sensible way to go for those who need childcare. It involves far less mixing than the kids going to school (if parents are key workers).

This is a terrible idea, it goes against aiming for social distancing

For some there is no choice, all those who can distance, should

So again, those who are against it what would your suggestion be for those that have to work?

It’s all very well voicing your disapproval but I don’t see you offering any suggestions.

What jobs do you do and what does your partner do?

Police officer and manufacturing for the food industry.

I am one of those who have offered.

I’m offering because I think it’s safer for those children than the school based childcare which is a bigger group. And because the fewer children in the school based childcare the better.

It’s a slightly increased risk to me and my kids. And a much reduced risk for the other families.

Here’s me thinking I was being altruistic! I’m not offering because I love the idea of looking after other people’s children for months at a time. I’m doing it because I believe it’s the right thing to do.