Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My child has been selected for a Covid test!

408 replies

Livingmybestliferight · 13/05/2020 13:26

He's 10. Does not want to do it. Am wondering why they are doing this and whether it has anything to do with schools opening or not?! Would I be unreasonable to refuse this opportunity?

OP posts:
BuffaloCauliflower · 13/05/2020 14:28

@MinkowskisButterfly they have the right to consent, but should be properly informed that this really isn’t anything to get upset about. Sounds like he’s been lead to believe its something awful and that’s on the parents

TerrapinStation · 13/05/2020 14:31

He literally has left the house to go on a short walk twice since 22nd March

Why on earth not, you say he's not unwell, that's awful to hear, a healthy child shouldn't be denied fresh air. What is he scared of? Has he had swab tests before, how would a child even know what one was to form an opinion.

Either there's some missing information or something isn't right here

HereIamin2020 · 13/05/2020 14:32

We got the letter too for my 6 year old. Not doing it. For rather outing reasons, I do not want anyone but trained medical professionals with awareness of her medical history, poking around at the back of her throat. I agree with the importance of consent too. But a really good thing to do if you and your child can.

YouTheCat · 13/05/2020 14:32

As I'd have to administer the test to myself there is not a hope of me being able to do a sinus/nasal swab. I have spoken to a few nurses who say they wouldn't feel confident to do the test on themselves. I have no medical training and am not doing it. My sinuses are buggered to start with.

ScarfLadysBag · 13/05/2020 14:32

Goodness, he absolutely should not be forced to do it. That's an awful message/thing to do to a child when it's not something that's needed for their own health. But it's worth discussing it with him and explaining how it might help and making sure that he's informed before he says no.

LightandAiry · 13/05/2020 14:33

He's only 10 and sounds to me that he needs to get used to the idea - probably something he's never done before - my 17 year old ds is taking part too but I think he may have been a little scared too at 10.

Cantata · 13/05/2020 14:33

He literally has left the house to go on a short walk twice since 22nd March

Why has he only left the house twice in 7 weeks, OP?

CrystalTipped · 13/05/2020 14:34

If he's genuinely reluctant I think you should opt out. They can select someone else, and they might want to do it. I'd be interested.

Chochito · 13/05/2020 14:34

Do you know anyone like a doctor or scientist who might be able to explain it to him? I'm not saying they can explain it any better than you can, OP, but just so he hears it from an 'objective' voice as well (like sometimes kids will listen to their teachers saying exactly the same thing as their parents, but follow it because the teacher said it). Someone who he can ask questions, to reassure him about the specific things that are worrying him?

Sockmonster23 · 13/05/2020 14:35

If he doesn't want it don't convince or force him, definitely do not persuade him. Anyone actually studied history? This creepy. Other countries are saying that the tests are giving false positives! And even saying something is wrong. Your son has a choice and no forced swaps down a child's throat for experiments.

venusandmars · 13/05/2020 14:35

just a throat and nose swab

Actually it's pretty brutal and very unpleasant. I'd not be letting them do that to a 10 year old, particularly if he is scared.

Bakedbrie · 13/05/2020 14:36

Hardly a major deal is it? Well not unless you make it into one. Surely everyone cooperating might help end this living nightmare sooner.

newlabelwriter · 13/05/2020 14:36

My DS has too (Y5) he's actually very excited about it but if he wasn't then I'd not force him to.

IncrediblySadToo · 13/05/2020 14:37

He's being asked to do a swab, not go to war

It's important. He needs to do it, whether you cajole, explain, bribe or dictate

He's old enough to understand the importance of doing it & that it's the socially responsible thing to do.

DontTouchTheMoustache · 13/05/2020 14:37

If he declines would they not just select someone else?

GrimmsFairytales · 13/05/2020 14:38

Actually it's pretty brutal and very unpleasant.

It's not the nicest of procedures, but describing it as brutal is absurd.

Biscuit0110 · 13/05/2020 14:38

I wouldn't make any child have any test unless they medically had to take one, if they are scared actually, I am sure others will take his place. I think children have been through enough, so I wouldn't be forcing my dc to do anything if they are worried.

attackedbycritters · 13/05/2020 14:41

I would worry why they are worried about a harmless test

fivedogstofeed · 13/05/2020 14:43

To be honest, it's not pleasant, and not easy to get a 10 year old child to comply. dd age 12 has had a lot of viral swabs done in her life and I wouldn't actually force any child to do it unless they had to.

Unshriven · 13/05/2020 14:45

attackedbycritters Why would that worry you?

The nasal swab, properly done, is incredibly unpleasant. I would never have it done, symptoms or not.

JassyRadlett · 13/05/2020 14:46

Actually it's pretty brutal and very unpleasant. I'd not be letting them do that to a 10 year old, particularly if he is scared.

If every parent took that attitude our evidence base on the disease in children would remain totally inadequate.

Given a choice between brief discomfort at months of serious disruption to the lives of my children, I know which is more damaging.

Layladylay234 · 13/05/2020 14:48

I've had it done twice and the nose one makes your eyes water a little but it the whole thing lasts 30 seconds. I have a ten year old son who has a massive fear of the dentist but he wouldn't have any problem with this test.

Booboodisney · 13/05/2020 14:48

I’d be more worried about his fitness levels if he’s only done two short walks in two months !! Jesus ! Unless of course he’s been playing sport in the garden, doing joe wicks etc

WeAllHaveWings · 13/05/2020 14:51

By the looks of the letter they send you a couple of big cotton buds and you do the test up his nose and in his throat. You will be able to be a bit more gentle about it than test centers and he will be helping the scientific research into this virus.

What is he actually scared of? I really don't see the problem.

Definitely do not even consider doing yourself if it is research into children as it could impact the results.

feesh · 13/05/2020 14:52

The test is pretty bloody painful - my husband has had it. But his was administered by a nurse. I don’t know if the home tests are less painful.

Swipe left for the next trending thread