To be annoyed by the Duchess of Cambridge's claim that home schooling is 'exhausting'

[Livingtothefull]

www.edp24.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-video-call-parents-homeschooling-challenges-pandemic-7080128

I accept that lockdown has had an impact on everyone to some extent, however privileged. But I can't help being irritated by this. Even if we accept that she is doing the home schooling herself without any help, I don't think there is any comparison between her situation and that of many other people. I am not saying lockdown isn't difficult for her.....but it is a million times harder if you are say a single parent, struggling with home schooling and a minimum wage job which you may lose any time, worried sick about your and DC future if this happens. And doing it in a poky flat instead of a vast country estate.

And I know she may be trying to show empathy with the rest of us. But TBH I would have much more respect for the royals if they would just acknowledge their privilege rather than claim common ground which just isn't there.

She was asked for one word.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make exactly. That one word denies it's harder for other parents how?!!! You're just being ridiculous now.

You're not unreasonable. It was an idiotic and insensitive remark.

Yes, and this is denying it's harder for others how?

It would have been better PR to acknowledge she has it easier then most.

@shindiggery

minniemango

You're naive.

It is really not like that.

And she doesn't have a nanny per child at all!

It really is like that.

We're talking upper classes in fully staffed formal households. Their house is huge.

It's not a 3 bed terrace with nanny trying to keep the kids quiet downstairs while mum's in her office in the spare room.

To add - I personally do not give a fig as to how she feels

You're naive.

😆

They don't have nannies

They have secretaries to set up their calls for them and run their diaries etc - but that's the job part

They are definitely home schooling/caring for the 3 of them - two of them are online with a full programme from St T's - but as we all know you have to pin the bloody kids to the chair to make them do it

Ridiculous that people don't believe her.

@shindiggery

She was asked for one word.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make exactly. That one word denies it's harder for other parents how?!!! You're just being ridiculous now.

I think you'll find I'm agreeing with you. :o

We're talking upper classes in fully staffed formal households. Their house is huge.

It's amazing how many doors children can open.

Yes, you're naive.

I personally do not give a fig as to how she feels

Charming.

You won't mind if we don't give a fig about you either?

I do actually care about how other parents are finding things.

I find it odd you don't.

It's amazing how many doors children can open.

Is it? I find it more amazing when cats can tackle all sorts.

Well she alienated even my DH with that.
Anyone working full time, single parent, not on a country estate, not doing dinner and washing for the millionth time ... she would have annoyed at least a little bit.

@LaurieFairyCake

They don't have nannies

They have secretaries to set up their calls for them and run their diaries etc - but that's the job part

They are definitely home schooling/caring for the 3 of them - two of them are online with a full programme from St T's - but as we all know you have to pin the bloody kids to the chair to make them do it

Ridiculous that people don't believe her.

I don't believe her. You think she wasn't told to say that?

The only word she should have said was privileged

@shindiggery

We're talking upper classes in fully staffed formal households. Their house is huge.

It's amazing how many doors children can open.

Yes, you're naive.

I've worked in fully staffed households like that, and there is no chance the staff would just let small children wander around unsupervised with no idea where they are. Especially not disturbing their parents.

You won't mind if we don't give a fig about you either?

Who's we? Are you a Royal? 😆

You are acting as if you know the facts Minnie but you are just guessing.

It fits your narrative so it must be true.

She’s also a working mother who is now at home full time with her children. Even if they have a nanny, it is exhausting. This situation is stressful for everyone. I don’t have less of a right to feel stressed compared to someone who has less money/a smaller house than me. It’s not pity olympics.

This thread is just reverse snobbery and jealousy

You are acting as if you know the facts Minnie but you are just guessing.

Do you know the facts?

You’ve got to remember that Kate was raised by a woman who grew up in a council house and went to a comprehensive school. Some down to earth quality must have been transmitted, in fairness. I can’t imagine her children are kept in a separate wing of the house. She just needs to be careful what she says.

@GlendaSugarbeanIsJudgingYou

You are acting as if you know the facts Minnie but you are just guessing.

It fits your narrative so it must be true.

I just think it's ridiculous to believe that some of the richest aristos in the country are doing all their own dirty work

I'm amazed that anyone buys in to the idea Wills & Kate are just lovely middle class types really, home schooling their own children and taking the kids to Waitrose.

Wow, so many of you seem to know every detail of the DoC's personal life

You need to get over yourselves and concentrate on your own lives. Has she harmed anyone with her comment? No, then forget about it - and maybe get over being "annoyed" by something so trivial.

It's not jealousy. It's living in the real world and not falling for the utter bollocks that we are supposed to believe.

I've worked in fully staffed households like that, and there is no chance the staff would just let small children wander around unsupervised with no idea where they are. Especially not disturbing their parents.

I don't think Shindiggery will like to read that. She thinks her children bothering her, while her childminder is in the house, puts her on a par with KM :). :). :)

I've worked in fully staffed households like that, and there is no chance the staff would just let small children wander around unsupervised with no idea where they are. Especially not disturbing their parents.

The families living in 'fully staffed households' are not like a breed of dog, you know, nor are the children in them kept caged. You have no idea how they differ. The Cambridge family are clearly very normal and prize a normal dynamic, with the inevitable result that they will be tired because normal children and tired. Being available is tiring. There is every chance that their children behave likes yours do when at home, especially since they can't let go of an adult's hand in public parks. They're probably explosive at home! Read the post upthread where someone is claiming to have direct experience of a Zoom call with them...it sounded very credible.

I don’t know. Obviously she is hugely privileged.... but I doubt money and a big house immunes you from being sick of the sound of “Mummy! Why? Mummy! Why? Mummy! Why?” all day every day.