How to deal with parents not taking covid seriously?

[Angryandannoyed]

My parents just don’t take it seriously. They travel everywhere, insist on seeing friends and just generally don’t really care. I’m so worried about them and I’m sick of shouting at them about it. They don’t listen. I’m worried sick but have no control. What can I do ?

Leave them to it. Refuse to see them and protect yourself and family

You don't have to deal with them. They make their own choices.

I don’t know but I’m watching with interest as mine are the same 🙄

Are you sure they don't take it seriously, or are they unwilling to change their lifestyle long term in order to reduce the likelihood of getting it?

They aren't really the same.

They are adults leave them alone

I sympathise OP, although my DPs take it seriously my siblings do not and insist on popping in with their DCs so that their DC do not miss out on visiting. No concern for elderly parents whatsoever because apparently 'it's just a flu' 🤯

I know you can't just turn your worry off if you care about them but all you can do is to cut off your own anxious thoughts by saying to yourself things like:

• I cannot control what they do
• The vaccine is coming soon
• I'm going to focus on me
• worrying won't change the situation
• they will probably be absolutely fine

They don’t think it’s ‘ that bad ‘. It’s all hyped in their opinion. They believe in the ‘other’ theories. They’re unwilling to change how they live their lives. They will definitely not be getting the vaccine. In their 60s. It’s very hard not to worry because I don’t want to lose them.

@ChestnutStuffing

Are you sure they don't take it seriously, or are they unwilling to change their lifestyle long term in order to reduce the likelihood of getting it?

They aren't really the same.

The outcome os the same. Putting themselves and others at risk. It is their right but they don't get to complain of people refuse to see them over their actions.

Having the same dilemma. I don’t really care what they do, their choice but I feel like it’s putting others at risk. They are putting my grandma at risk as she’s in their support bubble. Also she wants to see us at Christmas (tier 1 so technically we can) but she’s been socialising with everyone this weekend.

The most bizarre bizarre thing is that my mother is the first to criticise other people not following the rules yet does it herself and always finds an excuse (usually a lame excuse). It winds me up!

You've got to let this go. They are free to make their own choices, even if they are bad ones. You shouting at them clearly isn't changing their mind.

It changes nothing.

Let it go, your parents can make their own risk assessment and you yours based on that.

They are adults and can make their own decisions. Everyone has to make their own risk assessments and what they are willing to change

They are adults, leave them to it.

OP they are in their 60s, when I saw your title I thought they were in their 80s, in which case you might have a point (although at that age they might just want to enjoy the few years of life they may have left).

They are adults and they can make their own risk assessments. If they don't accord with yours, don't see them or only see them outside or within boundaries that you are comfortable with.

Mind your own business. They have their own right to live their lives.

OP I have the same problem! Mine were trying to organise a 7 household get together on Boxing Day! 🤯 luckily my siblings and I are all on the same page and put an end to it. We’re all now in tier 4 and they were very surprised my brother and SIL are no longer going to stay with them

I just try to talk about other topics as it stresses me out too much hearing what they’ve been up to.

Good grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change
The courage to change what I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Nothing, they are adults.

All you can do is make sure you (and your kids) do what you think is right.

Refuse to see them. Tell them why. If you know that they are being irresponsible and are visiting places where there are vulnerable people, tell them as well if you can.