Children in shops

[Friedbluetomatoes]

Apart from our daily walks, bike rides and drives out my 14 and 12 year old haven’t been anywhere since lockdown.
For my 12 year old dd’s birthday we have redecorated her bedroom. I have purchased most things online but there are a couple of bits l can’t get hold of online.
Obviously none of these bits are essential so we’ve left it for a while but she’s eager to get her room finished and I said that if it wasn’t too busy we could visit our local B&M soon.
I’m now in two minds if she should come with me or not. I, myself have only been out to the supermarket once a week since lockdown and haven’t yet seen any kids there whilst doing my shop.
Would you take your 12 year old into a shop at the moment?
Silly question I know but my head and judgement have turned to mush since lockdown and I just don’t know what to think anymore with so many friends and family having differing opinions on this crisis!

[Pipandmum]

I'm sure she'll be fine. Wash hands when you get home - you know the drill.

[highmarkingsnowbile]

I'd take her.

[peoplepleaser1]

Unless you have no choice it's incredibly selfish to shop with anyone else at the moment. It makes things harder for the staff and other shoppers.

Leave the groups of 2, 3 etc for those who cannot shop alone.

If everyone did it because it would be nice it would make shops so much busier. Twice as busy if everyone has their DD with them....

[chipsandpeas]

my local b&m are only letting 1 in 1 out (or groups) its a big store, i was in it this morning and only came across another person when i was queuing so dont know how many they let in when they opened
im sure the sign said in the window only 1 person shopping but in practice they were letting in parents with children

[peoplepleaser1]

They will be assuming that those shopping with children have no choice but to bring them. You can't expect retail staff to challenge people and ask if they could possibly shop alone. Plus it's unfair to ask single parents or parents of children with disabilities to explain themselves.

What is fair is that all of us shop alone if we possibly can. Unless you are one of those people who think that they are more important than everyone else and that being considerate is for everyone else .

[Mia1415]

My DS (7) has been to the supermarket with me throughout lockdown. I'm a single parent. I've seen several other children in there and have not had any issues. He is sensible and knows the rules.

[Aeris1]

I have been taking my little boy to my local home bargains and B and M. He is 4 and we have no one else to have him. They always let us both in and there are cleaning facilities at the front, he is in a chair but walks around if he wants to. I would take her early if she wants to go, it will be nice for her.

[OtterBe4]

Yes take her, out local B&M is only allowing one in one out.

[luckylavender]

I'd take her

[Skang]

If it's Colchester B&M you're thinking of, I can tell you that the other shoppers in there could not care less about social distancing whatsoever.

[thenamesarealltaken]

I'd wait. Her bedroom doesn't need to be finished yet.

As for taking kids in shops, I think only if needed. I leave my 11 year old at home and whatsapp her

[Friedbluetomatoes]

I’ve decided not to go, just can’t do it yet. Dd didn’t seem too bothered in the end, I’ve trawled the internet and have found some bits which should satisfy her for the time being.
Skang it’s the Harwich one so probably not much better but in ‘normal’ times it’s always less crowded than Colchester which is why I normally travel that bit further out to go there.

[BrutusMcDogface]

I am so fed up of all this. When will life return to normal, or even normal-ish?! 😢