Will you be letting your teens out tomorrow

[JackieFever]

Hello, I know we're all excited for the lockdown to ease tomorrow however I'm wondering how others are feeling about it and whether just because we can, does it mean we should.

I have asthma which I struggle with daily however not clinically vulnerable I guess because they took asthma off the list. I'm also overweight.

I have not had my vaccine yet

ds13 is wanting to go out tomorrow with his mates to the park.
I think legally this will be allowed because of the rule of 6 (not sure how many kids would be there Id need to check) but I doubt there will be any social distancing going on as I know they don't really give a shit in general as DS has been asking repeatedly to go out with several mates for weeks but we've been following the guidelines so its been a no.

I know they see each other at school but Id rather limit my risk.

He does get to go out on his bike daily, has his gaming, and chats with his mates on there, etc so he's ok and in good spirits

I'm really worrying about tomorrow and being even more exposed because I haven't had my vaccine yet and I'm also worried that if I say to wait until my vaccine ill be even more the bloody 'bad guy'

Aibu to say to my kids that they can wait til I've had my vaccine (I'm 35) or is that really unfair and I should just say nothing and take the risk. My mil nearly died a few weeks ago with covid and it was horrible, frightening and I'm absolutely dreading getting it.

atm, I'm struggling at home because I have 3 ds and 1 dp and feeling very unappreciated, overworked, trying to run a business, and doing all the housework and all I get is moaned at constantly for this and the other. I feel like if I said I haven't had the vaccine yet and I'm worried,but it's their choice they'd just fuck off out anyway because I'm pretty sure none of them don't give two shits about me really. Also, have a mark on my boob that I noticed Friday evening so waiting to call the doctor on Monday about that. Just mentally got a lot on my mind but I don't want to upset or damage my kids because of my own worries, especially so if they're unreasonable.

Definitely let him go out. Totally appreciate you’re feeling worried and upset about it but think it’s more about you than him and it’ll do him the world of good and you’ll get some time without him - I have 4 boys and enjoy it when they go out to play/with friends.

I hope you can make the decision to leave and move forward and be happier, sounds like you’re having a really tough time. Take care op

He's at much more risk for 5-6 hours a day in poorly ventilated classrooms with his peers than at the park.

I'd allow the park.

But I'd make it clear it's park and walking outdoors - if he's found out disappearing off and popping in and out of mates houses then in future it'll be no.

I'm not overly cautious but I'm aware that I don't know what others are doing - hence why going into other families houses is currently a no here (which I also know is against the law but people still do it )

Don’t punish your kids for the fact that your partner is useless.

Being overweight doesn't worsen your chances with covid. Only if you are significantly overweight/obese - bmi over 30 or 35.

In any case I think it would be cruel and unfair to place additional restrictions on your son for this reason.

I understand your fears OP. It sounds like you have a lot going on and sometimes we focus on the one thing that seems easiest to control - in this case saying no to your DS. From our experience here I think it would be a mistake to stop your DS from seeing a friend outdoors even today, (and yes, a very small number as the rules relax), but there are things you can do to reduce the risk to you at home. We say shoes off at the door, then straight to change clothes and wash hands - you could even ask him to pop in the shower to include a hair wash. We ask while out not to go into busy areas or shops, or mix with other groups, or share drinks or food and to keep their distance like at school, (but can only trust that they do). They are at school together and undertaking twice weekly tests including during Easter and so meeting outdoors for a walk, chat, sharing their music and kicking a ball about seems reasonable in terms of risk and good for their wellbeing - and possibly their parents' wellbeing too!

Perhaps you could mention to your GP that you are anxious to have the jab and why, and ask them to contact you if they have any cancellations or leftovers at the end of a day? I understand you should have a reasonable level of protection 3 weeks after receiving the first dose. I hope all goes well with your health worry too

I'll actually be encouraging my DC to go and meet their mates
I think it's low risk outdoors and I am more concerned about all the time they spend on screens in their bedrooms. I really want them to see friends in person again.