To think this petition is actually ridiculous?

[SkaLaLand]

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/306691

Yes, I agree. Millions will sign, though. This kind of shite dilutes the real issues.

That's ridiculous

Utterly ridiculous

Well it's just bollocks isn't it? Baby groups during maternity leave are almost entirely for you, not for your baby's development and bonding. Got to give marks for trying though.

I'd love to see what meaningful social interaction they think a baby under nine months is going to have with another baby.

I cannot actually believe nearly 70,000 people have signed 😮

Ffs.

This time is for bonding and social engaging with other patents and babies through baby groups which are vital for development and now everything has been cancelled.

I never socially engaged with any patents, god knows how all my children got through to adulthood successfully

If people are going to do these ridiculous petitions then ffs, at least get the spelling right.

It’s a load of crap but I’m having to hold my tongue as lots of my friends have signed it 😬

I’m pregnant and even I thought it was crazy 😂 I get that some people are feeling ‘robbed’ of the experience, especially if it’s their first baby. But I can’t see how that translates into more paid time off...

That’s appalling, it’s like some people, see a bad situation and think,,,how can I benefit here.

😟

Things like this really don't help with women's place in the workplace.

Baby groups didn’t exist when I had mine, somehow - due to some miracle, I suppose - we all survived.

I assume that this lot will ensure that all mothers who had terrible PND and couldn't get to baby groups will get theirs extended too? And a free Nanny?
Some people always have to be the hardest done by.

Let’s be honest, those petitions never change anything so it’s not going to happen regardless

DD is screwed
I went to one baby group, hated it, never went to another

Stupid petition, cant believe how quick i was seeing numbers go up though

If these parents are so worried about their child "bonding" with other babies at the age of under 12 months, surely they should be returning to work sooner so that their kids can bond with other children at nursery/childminder?

Yes its disappointing for mums who hoped to have 9 months of fun coffee mornings and baby play dates but that's not actually the purpose of maternity leave.

Its a terrible thing to go onto statuatory maternity leave and realise that all your colleagues are being furloughed on 80% salary...

No the government generally take no notice, however the mentality behind it is just so shortsighted.

Agree re PP saying its things like this that set mother's back in the workplace.

On what planet are these people on that they think the government will deplete businesses and funding further by extending paid maternity leave because they couldn't go to baby yoga with little Theodora?

I'm two weeks off starting mat leave and think this is batshit

Yeah that's just stupid. If that actually gets approved by the government while the extra ppe petitions seem to be getting ignored, I lose all hope in this country.

I have just taken a quick look at the petition data (link at bottom of the page) and the signatures are from all over the world. Surely they don't count if your not a UK Citizen?

Yes it's absolutely lunacy, and hugely entitled. I thought maternity leave was supposed to be about bonding with the newborn, which presumably people are able to do at home.

And surely its a bit of a bonus having dad around more too, which a lot will have.

Yep I agree and I am giving birth this week. It is ridiculous.

Completely agree @TigerQueenie - I’d have loved for my husband to be home this much when my baby was a newborn!

Mind you I found mum and baby groups insufferable so clearly she’s doomed to a shit life 🙄

It does grate a bit that I'm at home on unpaid maternity leave, while my colleagues are at home on full pay, but that's just life. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't.

At least I planned for this, unlike people who've suddenly lost their jobs and for whatever reason don't qualify for help.

I'd love an extra 3 months paid, but that petition is ridiculous!