To not let parents have kids during the national lockdown?

[Saffster]

So tonight after the announcement father in law called to discuss it etc and then went onto ask if they could look after the children for a couple of days a week until the schools reopen. Hubby said yes initially.

When he got off the phone I pointed out that they really shouldn’t, if they caught anything it’d be on our heads and I work from home so it’s not mandatory. Plus are we even doing our bit by allowing it? He then paced up and down for ages trying to formulate a response and seemed really nervous about having to explain it to them and kept saying it’s fine etc they can have them.

His parents are in their 70’s, make out they are terrified of catching Covid (although haven’t stuck to all rules either and have travelled to stay with family when technically not allowed) I’m confused by their request a bit.

I have my own thoughts about the past year, not disputing the seriousness of Covid either and just think it’s not a good idea to be having granny and grandad day care right now. He’s told them no but it wasn’t his first choice. AIBU?

YANBU

Technically it's allowed, as they would be you "childcare bubble" but you're right to be cautious, children are known to be "spreaders" whilst also asymptomatic.

Personally I'd jump at the chance but you're not being unreasonable.

I think it's fine for you to say you don't feel comfortable about it for their sake, but I'm a bit confused by your whole tone - it sounds a bit like you feel that they're imposing on you/asking you for a favour? Surely they're trying to help you?

I read your title as meaning people shouldn't get pregnant during lockdown

But to answer your actual question - No - kids should stay home ideally.

It's one of those occasions where you can interpret the rules ( which are vague) however you want.
Your children cannot visit their grandparents but they are able to be cared for by a carer.

Maybe they want to see your children at a time when they will not have been mixing in school bubbles for over a fortnight, meaning they have effectively been quarantined and the chance of infection is lowest

Assuming you and they followed guidance not to mix over the holidays, why wouldn't you? Its got to be better for your kids to get some more attention/focus than WFH allows you to give. And it'll give you a chance to be more productive too.

If either they or you (or your kids) mixed with others over the break, I wouldn't.

My ds is going to the ILs one day a week - it’s the only weekday he can speak above a whisper or be taken outside between 9 and 5 as the rest of the week dh and I are on zoom/teams. We think it’s essential for his sanity. But each family needs to make their own decisions.

I guess I’m working on the grounds that my children haven’t been anywhere but open fields for over 3 weeks and my parents currently have it. In another week everyone should be about as clear as they can be and I can resume using them for childcare. I’m a key worker and I’d rather they were there than at school.

They are trying to help out, I would suggest saying you will keep them home for a week to 10 days then when they are definitely Covid free consider their kind offer

A childcare bubble is allowed. There's significantly less risk to your PIL looking after the children when they haven't been in contact with others than, say, if they were babysitting at weekends with your kids at school during the week.

The twins are in a preschool 3 days a week, but at a nursery, so I presume they are allowed to go still? Unless they say only open to key workers children (still not 100% on what’s happening). my eldest is in school but he won’t be going now obviously. So I suppose if there’s mixing it’ll be a bit risky.

Thanks for everyone’s replies, just hard to know what to do for everyone’s best interest.

I thought you meant people should stop having kids!

I WFH and my DD will be going to my in laws once a week. Its not good for her to be cooped up with me 5 days a week from 9-5 and have to pretty much amuse herself.

She is only 6 so needs supervision and when I need her to be quiet she plays on her own but she can't do that all the time. The one day a week she goes out, she is able to play games, get fresh air etc.