AIBU to be concerned about sheilding family?

[CrikeyMatron]

Family that we know have a few primary aged D.C. and a young teen DD.
One of the younger DDs has cerebral palsy so the parents have decided to take all children out of their schools.
We’re worried especially about the teen DC.
She’s not seen any friends in ‘real life’ in over a year ☹️

It’s obviously horrendously scary for the parents worrying about their lovely children but how can we support them whilst they’re isolating their other kids from society?

Bumping for any advice.

If you are in UK shielding advice was updated 21 May on www.gov.uk

50+ million people have been vaccinated

Things are looking better than this time last year

However, none of us should be complacent, because there could be other waves

I guess they can decide to change to home education ?

Yeah, in the UK.
Home edding can be fantastic. I’m more worried about the children not ‘seeing’ any of their peers. Some of the ‘normal’ aspects of homeschooling like groups, visits to museums and galleries etc just aren’t happening.

Some children have been advised to be vaccinated if they are deemed to be especially at risk, I know this as I know a couple of children who have had it.

How severe is her daughter’s CP? Unless she has respiratory difficulties etc she might just be over anxious and she probably needs to seek professional advice from her GP on the best course of action because as you say it’s not fair on the other children really.

@Clumsyvolcano the DD uses a walker and wheelchair to mobilise. DF’s worried too as the younger children were born prem (one has asthma which is controlled as well as child with CP.)
She feels like all the D.C. have to stay in their home (with very occasional visits to non populated rural areas) until all are vaccinated.

I think you have to trust that the family knows best for their disabled DC. Unless you are very close family you won't know everything about them (and even then possibly not). They may be following advice from the medical professionals invilved with their children.

Also consider that you don't know what is haooening at home. My disabled DC who was shielding has had a far more active social life via zoom than he has ever had in person. His groups meet more often on line - no room hire, no transport costs and even better for some of themiIs that they dont have a carer or parent who is trying to pretend they are not there. Sure its not the same but I know ds wont be going out 7 days a week when his groups start meeting in person, he simply doesnt have the support. He will make a beeline for the staff, whefas on zoom je has forged feiendships with his peers; his college group all go home after being there in person becajse none can be out independently - but they can get together on zoom.

And lockdown? Well thats pretty normal for disabled young people.

Sorry that was long!

Thanks for your post @starfishmummy.
I am very close and know that the family haven’t been using Teams or Zoom to facilitate any relationships outside the home.
I certainly do agree that they’re doing what they believe best for them and the children. They love them very much.
I’m just concerned about the isolation of the teen and that fact that her DM has reported her being anxious and scared on a rare trip to a shop. We want to support the family but still have worries over the eldest’s MH.