Hi @Sleepyquest -
No, my previous thread didnt state all were entitled and grabby - my main point was that people signing it to get more paid leave to go to baby groups IMO was totally unnecessary and an extra strain on our already stretched economy.
I went on to state multiple times, that if you needed extra support in regards to -
If you are a keyworker needing childcare.
Unable to return to work due to childcare.
Worried about returning to work (about above reasons)
Worried about furloughs and your rifhys returning back.
Mental health issues and worries.
Then it was a different story and i agree, those people should have something put into place or a promise made (like the rest of thd country)
Not, for going to baby groups and 'bonding' as, at the end of the day, no one has taken your baby away for thsi period and said 'no you cant bond' your baby is in your arms, safe, loved and bonding with you which is what this time is for (is it not?)
No, you may not be able to look around a nursery, but, a lot have online pages, ofsted ratings are available online, you can call uo to get a feel of their routine etc. If you are needed back as a key worker there are numerous nurseries open for this purpose.
They are also hoping to reopen nurseries in the first phase and schools shortly after www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers (if you are concerned)
Im not sure why you need to bond outside the house as such, has someone told you this is detrimental to her development if you arent sitting in a coffee shop with her bonding? Or has anyone said you can't take your daily exercise around the park or beach?
Do you mind me asking how old your DD is?
Please, where are you reading that baby groups are really vital for her development? What happened before all of these groups, did people lack social skills or struggle later in life? If anything starting nursery at a younger age is way more beneficial than going to a baby group (depending on age of child but again, going to nursery does WAY more developmentally for a child)
Also, there are lots of groups doing online session and lots of apps you can get to encourage development for your DD at home, which is realyl beneficial for her development also. www.google.com/amp/s/theconversation.com/amp/from-signing-to-sensory-can-trendy-baby-classes-really-boost-a-childs-development-56109
The argument about getting yourself back on track, im sure any new/mother feels the same way, covid or not? Surely? We have grown a precious being inside of us, before that we put ourselves first, no one else to think about. DC are born and we are no longer priority, baby comes first and, no mother has a manual telling you want to do, when to do it etc. We are all guessing, all wondering if we are doing it right or wrong. Again, covid or not? But, i completely agree with the sense of how you feel i just dont think it would be anu different if things were in fact different.
A lot of what you are mentioning, there are things already in place for or this is why i wanted to ask in a petition, for a security for ML mothers as much as it can be in this tricky time.
Im not sure why you seem so bitter about your colleagues on furlough? Is it because they are also off work paid? Are they getting a higher percentage than you are on mat leave? Do you feel entitled to that money but cant because you are on Mat leave? What would of happened if yoir baby was a few months earlier and you were already back at work when this happened, it would be a similar situation, would it not? No childcare, less money, stress about DD not having social interaction.
Are either of you keyworkers? Becuase if not the government doesnt deem you as an essential worker, which why in place they habe put furloughs and UC in place for people struggling, see if you are entitled to any of the support already in place.
My main point, wasn't to get more 'free paid time off to bond with our DC and take them to groups and coffee shops' which the initial petition stated and not what a lot of people are signing it for.
It wasto ask the government to state what is in place, what they are going to do to support our returns to work.
Would we if needed to return (key workers) be able to find childcare easily (i my self am a key worker and a nursery practitioner) to help our returns to work
If not needed back, would we automatically go onto a furlough scheme like the rest of ohr employees.
Are our jobs still as secure as before (our rights still the same)
What support is in placr for people on Mat leave but struggling due to partners being on furlough (i.e UC or mortgage/rent holidays) as some people arent able to do s mortgage/rent holiday as we have income, coming in still but what happens after?
What support is in place for people with MH issues after Covid 19 (not just mat leave)
If im honest, a LOT of this is already spoken about or told in variously forms if people looked it up, but, they arent and are signing petitions which could damage the economy more and in turn making life harder for everyone involved.
The practicalities of this inital petition are hard to gauge, who is eligible? What sbout mothers already returned but were affected by covid? Would brand new mums be entitled?
Your points raised can be easily solved by the extra 8 weeks (4 weeks psr parent) at parental leave after this is over to do everything you have stated, you both have y right to that paid time off or the extra 3 months (depending on age of your DD) un paid if you feel baby groups are that necessary
Anyway, it's all here - maternityaction.org.uk/covidmaternityfaqs/
But, again i wasnt looking for anything paid as such, just some suggestions or support in put into place.