To wonder who cares for children if parents get really sick?

[Idontwantthis]

Just that really - dh and I have started feeling ill - 3 small dc.

If we get as ill as people seem to be while still being at home (I’ve read about people
Not having the energy to raise their heads etc) how on earth do we look after children when you can’t get any help to do so?

Are you a social worker @EmAndes I worry about this too.

I’m really worried about this too. I don’t think we will die as we are fit and healthy. But I know how ill this can make you.

This is something I often wonder too.

We all got sick - I’d say that with different immune responses and slight time lags in symptoms you’re unlikely (not impossible) to both get very sick at the same time. Most parents of small children are under 50 so chances of you both being so poorly you can’t stick the tv on for a few duvet days are low.

From a Practical POV
You sleep in shifts while other doses on sofa - while you are well enough make sure there is a room that is safe for the kids to play in where you can nap. Hand over screens/Lego whatever might work. Try to have no prep food you can throw at them & filled drinking bottles. (This is how we got through all having bird flu at the same time)

Ask someone to deliver food to you.

I hope you recover quickly

would foster carers take in random kids.....what about the rest of their family? seems unfair to put them at risk too

But if a whole household has to isolate due to symptoms then Children shouldn't be passed over to family/friends because of the risk factor and same with social services?

If you are so so ill you go into hospital then social services would look for friends or family. If there is truely no one then it’s foster care.

Years and years ago me and ex got flu at the same time with pre schoolers. It was dire but if you have to then you do manage. It was basically one of us keeping one eye open whilst lying on the coach and the other sleeping.

One of DH's clients is in this situation. She is ill and was being taken by ambulance to hospital. Her DD is serenely disabled and needs round the clock care. The lady's mum was coming to stay initially, but depending on the times they were looking at emergency care as the grandmother wouldn't be able to manage the type of care needed longer term.

For those who have family able to care for the children, you'd hope they would take the children in or come to the child's house to care for them there - whichever is safest for all. There is also emergency foster/child care systems still working too.

Obviously there will be a risk in each situation due to the children having been in contact, but it would be a judgemental call as to what would be the safest way to manage the situation.

I worry about this with my Ds. He is 12 so sick at home he can survive if I was hospitalised I am not sure my friends would want him in their house under these circumstances . They have their own daily and children

My colleague is worrying about this. Her two kids are 16 and 14.5. She said that she’d rather they stayed at home alone tor a few days than went to strangers. I wonder whether SS would allow this given one is under 16.
Anyway, let’s hope it never happens.

@EmAndes what about the foster carers own family already in the home though?

@Patch23042 thats ridiculous!! at that age they should be well able to cope!!

I wouldnt think a 16 and 14 year old would have to go anywhere

They should go to a friend or family member who is not vulnerable, foster care if no other option. If I had to go into hospital for more than one night then my 13 year old's nominated guardian would collect him.

Our whole house had, we think, corona. DS and I came down first, we spent three days in my bed. DH and DD had it next, though DD got off very lightly (she's a toddler). We dosed up on paracetamol and muddled through.

I've constantly been thinking about this as a single parent.
The problem is in a few weeks social care will be overrun with trying to find foster carers for children whose parents are ill or sadly passed away.

Dh and I have spoken about this. We would just open the food cupboard. The eldest can reach the fridge and also the downstairs sink. He can also make a basic peanut butter sandwich. They know where their beds are and can climb the stairs. I reckon they would survive a week if they absolutely had to. They are 2 and 3.