If you're a lone parent and get Coronavirus..

[Grobagsforever]

Hi all

So I am a lone parent (widowed so no other parent to call on). Two primary aged DC. I am lucky to have the immune system of an Ox as do the DC. My main worry is I may get the virus and need to recover at home.

I can't see any alternative plan other than keeping DC with me, they couldn't go to grandparents or friends and pass it on. I'd still have to cook for them etc. Infection would be inevitable.

I guess we'll just have to cope. Anyone else in same boat/got any useful ideas?

Go and get easy food now. Freeze bread, uht milk and tins of spaghetti etc.

If you're ill then it will be easy to cook that.

I once had flu when I was a lone parent. My daughters survived on ravioli and cereal for a few days and were fine!

I am not a lone parent, but my DH is away for months at a time and all week just back weekends, not the same I know, but I've been worried about this (I would tell him not to come home if I caught it). I have bought some pasta and sauces (cliche I know), some really easy to cook freezer stuff and frozen veg, and some long life milk so I wouldn't have to ask anyone to get some in case they couldn't. As long as it's stuff you will use and eat anyway and if you can afford it I would recommend getting a few bits in, a sensible amount, but that might help. And medicines for you and your little ones.

I was going to say get some really easy to prepare food too. Have a few boxes of cereal, cereal bars, yoghurts, apples, things they can grab themselves. What age are they?

Yes I already have a stash of food and meds. To be hones neighbours could drop that stuff at the bottom of the garden anyway, it's more just the inevitability of having to infect the DC. No self isolation in one room possible!

I am single, my ex is in the picture but he won't be able to take DS for an extended period of time if I got the virus because of his job.

Both DS and I are in very good health and rarely get ill so I'm not too worried, even if we do get it we will likely be fine. But I won't be able to isolate from him, he's 6 so can't look after himself for 2 weeks. We would just have to cope in isolation together.

As Helenj says.... a little bit of planning now to set your mind at rest.

Are they old enough to make toast for themselves?
If not, can you make a little "toasting station" for them, and teach them how to do it over the next week or so?

Cereal and milk.
Eggs are way to cook, even if you feel poorly, so have a supply in.
Can you afford to do a little stack of pot noodles or those "add water" pasta packets?

Make sure all your sheet/towel/pjs washing is up to date, so you can grab clean ones if anyone is ill.
Lastly, make a list of contact numbers for them...and show them how to use the phone. So that, if you become quite ill (unlikely,) then they can call someone.

We have lots of food, money is thankfully not tight. I guess I'm just sad and angry they will get infected if I do.