Are your DC seeing friends outside of school?

[SilverGlitterBaubles]

I am having running battles with teen DC since schools returned because I will not allow her to go to friends houses after school or have sleepovers right now due to Covid restrictions. Just had a text from her friends DM inviting her to a sleepover party with a group of others, some from other schools, for her DDs birthday next weekend. I am now the worst most embarrassing parent for saying no. I get that this is really, really hard for them and have no issues with them meeting outside, although this has also turned into mass groups meeting in the park. Surely if we want schools to stay open and restrictions to end we all have a part to play here and parents need to take some responsibility or AIBU here?

No but they know the rules anyway and why we have them.

I think we are in the minority though judging how many cant count to two people meeting outdoors

Imagine all the things you don’t know..😌

My dc have each had contact with one friend who they go cycling or running with, they've done as the rules allow it:

You can leave your home to exercise or to visit a public outdoor place for outdoor recreation, such as a coffee on a bench or a picnic in a park. This can be on your own, with one other person when in a public outdoor place

Thanks all for your replies, I am sticking to my guns despite the protests and huffing from DD. The mum has replied to my declining the invitation to say if it's because I am worried about Covid, it's ok because they have all done a home test and negative so it's perfectly safe. I give up

DD year 11 has met up with (separately) two friends and gone for walks. No meeting up inside has even been suggested.

No, ours our only meeting one friend outside. Nothing indoors at all, and they haven’t asked which makes life easier.

All of their friend’s parents seem to be on a similar page which is good. And actually I’ve only seen one person we know who has posted an indoor play date on Facebook, which is encouraging. (Obviously more May be doing it secretly).

The parent is a bit naughty to put you in this position.....

Dd is 18 and finally went back to college last week. Throughout lockdown, she only met 2 friends for walks (meeting each one separately) and so far hasn't suggested doing anything differently.

At her age, I could only really advise her to do this but if she was much younger, I certainly wouldn't be allowing her to meet in a larger group or to go around anyone's house.

They are seeing one at a time outside for a walk / cycle, as per the regulations. I would be very disappointed in them, their friends, the friends' parents if any other kind of invitation came our way or was followed up.

Virtual sleepovers have been happening for my 16-yr-old on a weekly basis, the 11-yr-old has done a couple too. In terms of real life meeting, only at school, walking to/from school (that's DC2 - two friends live a street away and they're all in Y7 together so walk with each other) or meeting one friend for a walk. Eldest and friends are planning sleepovers for when they're permitted.

You are going to be put in the positions like this many times over the years but at least this time you can blame the law.

Mine are hanging out with friends after school. Mostly at the park. Chatting, playing football or basketball. Same situation at the weekends. Nothing inside anyone's house

One person outside

Would anyone actually dare say that their teenagers were having friends over, given that the whole of MN will tell them that they are personally responsible for 100,000 deaths and it will be their fault if there's another lockdown?

This sort of thread will only ever get people agreeing with the OP.

My DD is only 5 and has been in tears 5 times since going back to school because I've turned down playdates and big group meet ups in people's gardens, the school have gone to so much effort to keep the bubbles to each class and they are just doing what they want. I hate it and it's really hard on her as at 5 her friends are not subtle about the fun they have and she is now convinced that I am lying about the rules. I also feel sad looking through all the bloody photos on SM of them mixing when they shouldn't.

@NextDoorKnobber

Would anyone actually dare say that their teenagers were having friends over, given that the whole of MN will tell them that they are personally responsible for 100,000 deaths and it will be their fault if there's another lockdown?

This sort of thread will only ever get people agreeing with the OP.

Since this is an anonymous forum, I tgink it's more likely people would be honest

I'm surprised anyone is hosting birthday sleepovers

I have let DD play with her friends outside. They are all in her classroom bubble (as am I, as a member of staff in her school) she meets one or two at a time and never indoors. I have stuck by the rules throughout but find it absolutely ridiculous that she can be with these people all day and then not meet for ride on their scooters after school.

@NextDoorKnobber

Would anyone actually dare say that their teenagers were having friends over, given that the whole of MN will tell them that they are personally responsible for 100,000 deaths and it will be their fault if there's another lockdown?

This sort of thread will only ever get people agreeing with the OP.

You are right, but the strength of agreement may help OP with her daughter.

@NextDoorKnobber

Would anyone actually dare say that their teenagers were having friends over, given that the whole of MN will tell them that they are personally responsible for 100,000 deaths and it will be their fault if there's another lockdown?

This sort of thread will only ever get people agreeing with the OP.

Some have but yes the vitriol was in abundance

God forbid but if there is an accident or fire they’ll have to lie to the police about who’s who 😁

Yes, my 11yo has been to the park after school with 1 or 2 other children in his class.

Nope - my teenage children now know the hills like the back of their hand.
It's the rules and they will appreciate life so much better when it returns to normal. My 16 year old has a girlfriend of 4 months that we have never met!

No.
My secondary kids walk home from school with a friend but don't see them outside of school hours. They "talk" on fortnite and WhatsApp at weekends.

Yes, in line with the current rules, my 12 year old sometimes meets with one friend outside.

No - four children here - 1615,13,11 and still only meeting virtually. The police sent out a letter to all of the schools asking parents not to allow their teens/children to mix until it is lawful to do so. They said they would be patrolling parks etc but I haven't seen any!

I’ve got 3 dc’s aged 13 and under. They haven’t been to anyone’s house but they’re playing out right now with about a dozen other kids from the estate.