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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be just letting my kids play normally with other kids in the playground

81 replies

OverTheRainbow88 · 07/08/2020 13:15

As above really... tried to enforce a bit of social distancing in playground with other kids but now decided it’s impossible so have given up trying!

OP posts:
KittyFantastico · 07/08/2020 13:19

I'm doing the same as you, OP but my particular region (Northumberland) has one of the lowest case rates in the country and the kids in the local parks are all kids from the same school/nursery my DC go to (live in a small place) who they'll be mixing with in three weeks time anyway. I would probably feel differently if that wasnt the case.

Original poster
OverTheRainbow88 · 07/08/2020 13:22

I think we’re in an area where it isn’t low risk but isn’t particularly high. I tend to ask the other parent/adult if they mind as my son gets quite attached to girls about 3 years older than him (bit odd I know) then want to play with them!!

OP posts:
Mywifeandkids1 · 07/08/2020 13:22

Same, if people are really that scared they shouldn’t even be there In my opinion

LizzieMacQueen · 07/08/2020 13:24

In Scotland 12 and under are allowed to mix. Thought it was the same throughout the UK.

TheSoapyFrog · 07/08/2020 13:25

Same. If you're nervous then a playground probably isn't the right place to be.

Beamur · 07/08/2020 13:27

Unfortunately, it seems likely that not keeping to distancing will mean infection rates will rise.
Any one of those kids could be asymptomatic carriers. Not to scaremonger, but it's entirely possible.
If the kids are outside and running about, chances are low, but I wouldn't want my kids to be spending any time close to others and I'd be super careful around hand washing after playing anywhere.

nether · 07/08/2020 13:27

It's nitnnecessariu a case of being scared.

If your DC has been required to shield, they need the proper distancing.

So if you see someone who is struggling to have some space, have your DC keep away.

Recently de-shielded DC are the ones who have been the very most isolated, and so really do need to be getting out and about.

It's a massive kick in the teeth if, just as they can cautiously begin to go into playgrounds, other people make it utterly impossible.

DC need to be trained to check if it's OK before getting close, or their parents need to do it for them. And if it's not OK, keep away. So that everyone gets a chance to play

Original poster
OverTheRainbow88 · 07/08/2020 13:27

No, here there posters up on all the fences going into playgrounds saying keep 2m etc

OP posts:
OnlyFoolsnMothers · 07/08/2020 13:31

It’s near on impossible to distance children in any playgrounds round here, unless someone literally let 6 in at a time and rotated the children round the equipment. My 3 year old is too little to be let loose so I follow her around anyway, irrespective of covid is she got close to a child who wasn’t comfortable I’d pull her back...personal
Space.

Mywifeandkids1 · 07/08/2020 13:33

@nether if they need to be proper distancing, they shouldn’t be in the park. Unless it’s empty obviously.

ballsdeep · 07/08/2020 13:34

Well they're back in school in a few weeks so let them crack on I say

princesshollysmagicalwand · 07/08/2020 13:52

I think it's fine if you don't want to do it. But you should respect that other people do and keep your children away if they ask or otherwise make that clear.

It's not on to say 'if you don't want to distance, don't come' to a public space. Like it or not, everyone including children, from different households are supposed to be SD. So if you want to break the guidelines, perhaps you shouldn't go!

SafferUpNorth · 07/08/2020 13:56

Here in Scotland, kids under 12 no longer need to maintain physical distancing from each other, outdoors or inside. The rule change came in a good few weeks ago and was based on new evidence that children are NOT super-spreaders as previously thought, and generally contract the virus mildly, if at all.

yomommasmomma · 07/08/2020 13:57

Selfish behaviour putting others at risk. Don't be lazy, at least try and keep your children social distancing.

ballsdeep · 07/08/2020 13:59

@princesshollysmagicalwand

I think it's fine if you don't want to do it. But you should respect that other people do and keep your children away if they ask or otherwise make that clear.

It's not on to say 'if you don't want to distance, don't come' to a public space. Like it or not, everyone including children, from different households are supposed to be SD. So if you want to break the guidelines, perhaps you shouldn't go!

We went to a local farm park yesterday, loads of outdoo play areas. A woman nearly gave herself a heart attack screaming at her kids to stay away from others and that we are in the midst of a second wave. In Wales , there is no social distancing for under 11s and she was from England and here on holiday. She made in really unenjoyable for her kids and they were embarrassed at her constant screeching across the parks.
Original poster
OverTheRainbow88 · 07/08/2020 14:04

I do ask the accompanying adult if it’s ok. If they said no we would obviously respect that and find another buddy 😂!!

I can’t teach my 19 month old to socially distance... and I don’t really want to make my 4 year old it’s unnatural

OP posts:
Spam88 · 07/08/2020 14:06

I think as long as you ask the other parents and they're okay with it then it's fine. Obviously it's not okay to just assume people will be okay with it. I'm in wales so kids don't have to socially distance here anymore but I'd still check with parents. It is extremely difficult though!

MySweatyPie · 07/08/2020 14:07

I'm so sick of it and not sure it's even a real thing. I think under 12 shouldnt have to distance and if you are scared and vulnerable should stay home.

Feralkidsatthecampsite · 07/08/2020 14:08

We live in an area that was low.... Unfortunately due to an influx of tourists our stats are rising fast. Dc haven't been anywhere...

Coconutbug · 07/08/2020 14:31

I think the kids find it hard, they get so excited to play together and forget they need to distance.
I've taken my kids to several different parks and most people seem to just be letting the kids get on with it. I think most of the time they are close but not touching even when they are playing together.
Do what you feel comfortable with... We've generally just been mixing normally but I'll try and keep distance from adults/child if I can..

Therollockingrogue · 07/08/2020 14:37

Stop being so fucking selfish.
My teens were out the other day with friends, all were being really careful as their friend has been shielding. They sat in a very quiet park , sitting 2m a part. A little boy around 3 years old ran over in full view of his parents and started grabbing on to them physically , laughing and shouting . His parents found it hilarious. None of the group knew this little boy at all.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 07/08/2020 14:39

Therollockingrogue completely diff scenario. I wouldn’t let me 3 year old run up To random people in such a way, nothing to do with covid but regarding personal space and respect.

Original poster
OverTheRainbow88 · 07/08/2020 14:39

Well yes in an ideal world my 19 month old and 4 year old would sit in a circle 2m apart from their friends having a chat! Unlikely though isn’t it!

OP posts:
Therollockingrogue · 07/08/2020 14:48

Well the thing is , when you have small children you often feel as though their needs trump everyone else’s on earth.
But when they’re grown up you have some perspective and realise that actually this is just nonsense and little kids don’t need to run riot and ruin things in order to have fun.

Original poster
OverTheRainbow88 · 07/08/2020 14:54

I don’t let my kids run riot anywhere inappropriate but to me a playground is where kids should be able to run wild and burn off steam, to some extent

OP posts: