To think this petition is actually ridiculous?

[SkaLaLand]

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/306691

People are fucking idiots!

I'm currently on maternity leave and am frankly relieved that this happened while I am. I can just concentrate on caring for my children without having to juggle working from home at the same time!

If you're on maternity leave right now then you have had a lucky escape from the hell of mother and baby groups. How wonderful to be at home with your baby and not have some health visitor "suggesting" you go along. I ran (silently) screaming from the first and only group i ever went to and my children are all more sociable than me now.

This has just been shared on a local playgroup’s Facebook page. I think it’s utterly ridiculous! Yes, maternity leave is for bonding with your baby... Coronavirus doesn’t stop you doing that!

The reality is that families won’t get the early days experiences that they expected- with groups, NCT coffees, etc. That is sad. But lots of us aren’t getting what we expected from life at the moment.

Lol is this a joke?!

I saw this shared on fb and thought it was ridiculous too.

Lockdown happened about three days after I finally got to take my daughter home after a two week NICU stay. My family live two hours away, so until essential travel and social distancing eases I can't see them.

While I am missing out on seeing my family with my DD, I don't think three months at the other end will actually make up for the time lost, as she wont be the same baby developmentally. It's just not the same.

So I'm one of the people affected and I won't sign it.

Crazy.

I clicked YABU purely due to making me click a link without describing it at all in the OP.

Lol at “educating both babies and parents”.

Love to see a baby of that age being educated and the fact that the starter of the petition thinks these baby bonding sessions educate both parents and babies suggests a pretty low level of knowledge in the parents!!!

That's mad. Maternity leave is for bonding and attachment with the mother/primary carer. I know it's bloody hard when you're socially isolated but going to baby groups is not part of why it's there.

My youngest DC, who is my last, will be going to full time preschool in September which - fair enough - isn't compulsory but she's ready for it. Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, is meant to be our time before she goes off into the next stage of growing up. It was my last few months of having a little buddy around during the day, playgroup, toddler swim, mid-morning sleepy cuddles during her nap, and enjoying the last few months of being a SAHM. I feel a bit sad that it hasn't turned out like I want to but best laid plans and all that.

Even I think the petition is a pile of wank. You can't get back what's passed.

Definitely not. Don't people think the taxpayer has enough bills to pay at the moment?

People need to get a fucking grip.

I'm currently pregnant and will miss out on face to face baby groups, but so what? We're in the midst of a global pandemic.

By the same logic, should women who choose not to go to baby groups while on maternity then forfeit the right to be on leave?!

What nonsense. By all means take a period off unpaid but it's ridiculous to expect to be funded for a few more months off so you can make mum-friends.

I’m pregnant and I think this petition is embarrassing

I am on maternity leave and have had to cancel all the baby sensory and swimming classes. Do I think the cancelling of the baby sensory classes is going to have a negative impact of my little one? Um nope. The petition is absolutely ridiculous and I cannot believe so many have signed it.

Ahh yes, I forgot baby groups were mandatory .

79,000 and counting!

Ha ha once their babies turn one and start toddling and throwing tantrums, they'll be desperate to get back to work for a break

Does anyone know if the signatures from other countries count?

I don’t understand , I am maternity leave of sorts am self employed not currently able to work. My five month old baby is bonding with me , his dad and his siblings. He doesn’t need to bond with Oscar and Jemima at Baby sensory!

Does anyone know if the signatures from other countries count?

They don't.

I started mat leave in January with ds2. Yes I am sour that I can't do things... But I'm talking trips to Costa holding baby, trips around town pushing baby. So basically what EVERYONE is missing out on... With or without a bloody baby. I'd love three months extra pay for sure....but is it due? Nope. Is it going to happen. Nope. Have I signed.... Nope. Too many people with too much time on their hands

Ahh I was just about to post a similar thread 😡 it’s a little ridiculous! You’re getting the time off with your baby!! That’s what maternity leave is for. One colleague who started back yesterday (teacher) has shared it saying she feels like she has been robbed!! I don’t understand as lots would have been off over Easter anyway!

Personally I’m about to start maternity leave and am grateful DH will be around to help out with toddler and newborn!