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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to let my kids start a week after everybody else?

34 replies

TramaDollface · 30/12/2020 11:34

I’m in a tier 2 area SAHM

I’m concerned about coronavirus without being neurotic (I don’t think so anyway 😂)

We’ve done all of the hols without seeing anybody, even outside. Trying to do it properly etc.

I was wondering about letting my kids go back a week later than their classes? This way they will probably dodge anybody who unwittingly turns up with coronavirus and without a test. We would probably all dodge any isolation requirements too.

The reason I’m being so careful is I have autoimmune diseases. And 30 years ago I had a terrible overreaction to glandular fever which ended up in years of fatigue. I don’t want any of us to catch it because I think I would be likely to have a long COVID scenario.

It’s a private school so nobody will give a shit anyway. Thoughts?

Keep them off - YANBU
Don’t be such a wuss - YABU

OP posts:
plixy · 30/12/2020 11:40

I would wait and see if the schools are even reopening before you worry about this!

Itsseweasy · 30/12/2020 11:46

I must admit I’ve considered doing exactly this for the same reasons, but I probably won’t just incase they really do need to take time off sick 😓

Original poster
TramaDollface · 30/12/2020 11:46

The primary schools will open surely 😳

OP posts:
Iremembertheelderlykoreanlady · 30/12/2020 11:47

I'm considering doing exactly that. But hoping they close schools (primary) at this afternoon announcement

Original poster
TramaDollface · 30/12/2020 12:58

My husband thinks I’m being a drama queen, so looks like they’ll be going in!

OP posts:
shallbe · 30/12/2020 13:56

Do your children have any risk factors? If not I don't understand undervaluing their education against extremely small health risk factors for them. Education hands down for me.

shallbe · 30/12/2020 13:58

So sorry Op I've just read the end of your post and see you are worried about your health so I do understand your concerns, but if you stay in tier 2 particularly I think keep sending them in.

Preparedtobetoldimwrong · 30/12/2020 13:58

If schools reopen then I don’t see how a week is going to keep you safe? If they go back then they have the risk, regardless of having an extra week or not. I don’t understand your reasoning.

Pipandmum · 30/12/2020 14:07

I'd wonder about why you are paying your school fees if the school 'won't give a shit'. Our school most definitely would and it would be an unauthorised absence and we'd get a letter and the kids would be missing too much.
I don't see how a week will make much difference anyway it terms of catching it

Porcupineintherough · 30/12/2020 14:09

It's not a matter of being a wuss, I just dont think the problem of cv in schools is going to disappear after 1 week.

Original poster
TramaDollface · 30/12/2020 14:43

No, but if there are no cases in a week of them being back then all good, back to normal.

I don’t trust that everybody will have stuck to the rules. Sociable entitled people always bend the rules somehow.

Cases were really ramping up before Xmas.

OP posts:
Porcupineintherough · 30/12/2020 14:46

And if there are cases, what then? Because there will be sooner or later.

Preparedtobetoldimwrong · 30/12/2020 14:51

Are we talking about a boarding school?

Shieldingending · 30/12/2020 14:52

Teach here, I think you would be very wise – that way at least you can see what appears to be happening in their schools

Original poster
TramaDollface · 30/12/2020 22:45

I’m wouldn’t taken my kids out for any old reason, they generally have 100% attendance.

I think I’m just being sensible! Grin bit it’s good to hear some comments to ground me a bit.

I’ll see how it goes ..... as we’re all doing I suppose

OP posts:
NellePorter · 30/12/2020 22:50

I'm tempted to do this, I'm so disappointed primary schools are opening on Monday when we don't yet know the effects of mixing at Christmas. I can see why others disagree, but I do worry about my DC bringing it home.

Hollyoakswatcher · 30/12/2020 22:51

I think it will be difficult to get a proper answer on this because it’s a very emotive topic. People seem to think that by you not sending your children in that you think that parents that are sending their children in are doing something wrong, when that’s not the case.

The points you raise are valid and you are entirely within your right to keep your children off if you can provide a good home schooling scenario. You need to do what you think is right for your family.

custardlemontree · 30/12/2020 22:53

@Hollyoakswatcher

I think it will be difficult to get a proper answer on this because it’s a very emotive topic. People seem to think that by you not sending your children in that you think that parents that are sending their children in are doing something wrong, when that’s not the case.

The points you raise are valid and you are entirely within your right to keep your children off if you can provide a good home schooling scenario. You need to do what you think is right for your family.

The op would have to deregister them in that scenario
Hollyoakswatcher · 30/12/2020 22:55

@custardlemontree not for a week she wouldn’t.

FoxyTheFox · 30/12/2020 22:57

I'm planning to phone school on Tuesday and say that "DH has a cough so the DC will be at home until he gets tested". School are happy to provide online work for children who are isolating so they'll still be learning and then I'll see how things pan out with schools staying open, fully expecting a u-turn from the government by this time next week where they'll announce a blanket closure for all except keyworker and vulnerable kids.

MegtheShark · 30/12/2020 22:59

They can have covid ‘symptoms’ which mean they have to self isolate for ten days, as you couldn’t get a test/ didn’t receive the results/ dc wouldn’t tolerate it.

They can have ‘d&v’ for the last couple of days.

That gets you two weeks, without having to deregister or get a fine, after which you should have a better idea of what is going on with case numbers/this new strain/ school closures.

Original poster
TramaDollface · 30/12/2020 23:08

@Hollyoakswatcher

I think it will be difficult to get a proper answer on this because it’s a very emotive topic. People seem to think that by you not sending your children in that you think that parents that are sending their children in are doing something wrong, when that’s not the case.

The points you raise are valid and you are entirely within your right to keep your children off if you can provide a good home schooling scenario. You need to do what you think is right for your family.

I don’t mind what others do, I’m not being remotely judgmental- I just feel that since I’m in a position where they could stay home for a week and work online.... then it’s very tempting.

I know I’m lucky to have the option

OP posts:
colouringindoors · 30/12/2020 23:13

Totally reasonable esp with your autoimmune condition. My dd brought Covid home at the end of term - whole family have it. Kids mildly but I'm on day 5 feeling dreadful.

Hollyoakswatcher · 30/12/2020 23:22

@TramaDollface I know you’re not being judgmental, i just mean that this topic automatically becomes quite judgemental for some unknown reason.

I’m in a position where my child is too young for school and I have no childcare so I’m juggling working and childcare which is tough but even if my child was in school I would keep them off for a little while absolutely.

Nochristmasbreak · 30/12/2020 23:25

Do what you want, they are your children. Schools can't do much other than send you a letter. Just ignore it, you won't go to prison.

Do whatever is best for you and your family.

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