AIBU to expect my parents to let my daughter socialise with other toddlers

[Ellie1995]

I have an 18 month old daughter and work 2 days per week. She doesn’t go to nursery, family provide childcare for us.

I’m extremely concerned about the effects of COVID on her social development, in particular building social skills with other children.

I spoke to my HV and she suggested letting her play outside with other children, so she’s starting to build her social skills in as low risk way as possible.

However my parents aren’t happy with us doing this while they are providing childcare. They aren’t high risk for the virus but think we should be following the guidelines completely.

AIBU to be upset that they are stopping my daughter from having any social interaction with children her own age? I do respect their opinion but I’m worried about the effect it will have on my daughter.

@strawberrysweets

So you tell them what you're doing with YOUR child and if they don't like it then they can stop providing childcare for her....?! Surely!

It's not just about childcare though is it? They are saying that they won't see their granddaughter if she has in any way a normal life. It's not as straight-forward as "just" paying for childcare.

Then you need to have professional childcare. Your parents are free to stipulate whatever they want for free labour

They have a say in what risk they are prepared to take so they can say they won't do childcare if they feel it is a risk to them and similarly OP can say she wants to do whatever with her child but might have to pay for childcare.

At 18 months I wouldn’t worry. They don’t tend to build friendships till 2/3 anyway. I’d just be happy she’s spending time with her GPs while she can and you have free childcare for now.

Your original post wasn’t clear so I think your going to get a lot of AIBU.

@cologne4711

That's their decision.

Thank you everyone for your input.
I’d be happy to pay for nursery but I know this would be heartbreaking for them and my daughter too if they weren’t able to see each other.

Then you and your parents will have to sit down together and work out what is more important to you/them. I personally don’t believe that it’s totally necessary for an 18 month old to be interacting with other toddlers, but a two year old is a different matter and the way things are going the situation won’t have changed by the time your DD reaches that age.

@Cam77

I appear to be in the minority here but at 2yo I would say the benefit of a close and loving relationship with her grandparents outweighs the benefit of an occasional run around the park with other toddlers.

Agree. 18months need human interaction - but they gain more from adult interaction than with other babies,young toddlers - adults suggesting games/toys, helping overcome obstacles, reacting to what they're playing/making etc, than from other similar aged children.

2 years+ I would want them to have peer interaction, but even then, not necessarily at the expense of adult interaction.

Agree and agree