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Original poster

to ask if your kids are going to school on Monday?

297 replies

MoonBlood · 14/03/2020 22:13

I’ve been quite happy to follow government recommendations so far, but today my DD couldn’t go swimming with her mates as their parents are keeping them home. I made a comment that they’ll be surrounded by kids at school on Monday anyway and she said that their parents will be keeping them off now as they disagree that schools should be open. I was going to keep sending mine as long as they’re open, I’ve got three healthy teen kids but also a preschool child with asthma who ends up in hospital fairly regularly just from basic colds and am second guessing myself now?

OP posts:
millymaud · 15/03/2020 10:40

I agree tibbles, I’ve every sympathy for those who have no other option but I’d move heaven and earth to keep mine safe.

HasaDigaEebowai · 15/03/2020 10:42

No. Its very far from ideal since DS1 is in Year 10 but they're unlikely to go in now for the next two weeks (then they break up for easter). I can have them here at home without any issue and so it seems like the more sensible move. DS2 has a cough anyway and so he wouldn't be able to go in this week under the distancing rules.

Tibblestoe · 15/03/2020 10:47

@millymaud yes, my neighbour is also a SAHM, her child has bad asthma, but she's continuing to send him in. Her theory is that he will catch it anyway as her DH works in a care setting but I'm a bit Shock

Dragongirl10 · 15/03/2020 10:53

Mine are home from now on, as DH is working from home and we have elderly parents living with us, so hunkering down for as long as possible.

We are fortunate to have the option, but the way l see it, the less we expose ourselves the less chance of catching it, and possibly taking up a valuable NHS bed.( It is not a death l would want for my DM who has mild dementia )

I think all SAHP should keep their dcs home, and away from others to minimise spread to those who need their Dcs in school to go to work. This is why forcing school closures is not a solution, it is necessary for some, but for others they should step up and withdraw dcs, and contain them away from people as much as possible.

We have told our Dcs 13 and 12 they will only be going to beach and woods, in our garden etc, DH and l will work from home.

The more families who are able to sustain this sort of lifestyle the better for those who cannot.Those who have front line jobs and no childcare.

The shortage of beds is truly frightening.

We all need to do what little we can, and to see the wider picture ..

Tibblestoe · 15/03/2020 11:00

@Dragongirl10 agree with you

Eddell · 15/03/2020 11:05

I've decided I'm not sending my youngest to nursery, she also has asthma and was in hospital at the start of the year, I don't want to risk it when I have the option of keeping her at home. I think I'll also be keeping my older children off school too

Drivemybluecar · 15/03/2020 11:15

@MummytoCSJH keep them close. You know what is beat for your child. On my opinion with a child like yours don’t take the risk. Your post made me cry. Keep them safe with you xxxx

LimitIsUp · 15/03/2020 12:27

"I think all SAHP should keep their dcs home, and away from others to minimise spread to those who need their Dcs in school to go to work. This is why forcing school closures is not a solution, it is necessary for some, but for others they should step up and withdraw dcs, and contain them away from people as much as possible."

Nope. School is there for education not for childcare. I think all dc who are not in Year 11 (starting GCSEs around 4 May) or not in Year 13 (starting A levels in May) should stay at home. Schools and colleges should remain open only to those who need to be there because they have major exams affecting their future imminently.

Nearlypassover · 15/03/2020 12:36

I agree schools aren’t childcare but I am sympathetic to working parents nonetheless. I’m amazed people with other options are sending their kids in.

LimitIsUp · 15/03/2020 12:43

I'm not as unsympathetic as I sound, but unfortunately difficult times require tough decisions

Original poster
MoonBlood · 15/03/2020 12:44

I suspected that things would change for a lot of people just over the course of the weekend, and that’s what seems to be happening. My friends are starting to query whether they should keep their kids home and posts are popping up on Facebook etc asking the same question I did in the OP. I think a lot more kids will be off tomorrow than expected. I’m going to do some research later about how to keep them on course with schoolwork and exam prep from home do the time isn’t lost.

OP posts:
2020newme · 15/03/2020 12:46

No way.

YgritteSnow · 15/03/2020 12:52

Nope. School is there for education not for childcare.

Only on MN do people think and say this. School is education, which provides childcare so that adults can work and pay their taxes and keep our infrastructure going. It's nonsensical to say otherwise.

DuckWillow · 15/03/2020 12:54

teachers must be furious today as they might not be getting the extra holidays they crave

Hmm

TA here, no desire for school to close as no idea if I will get paid.

In any case there is work I could do in the school even if the children are not there. We would still have to go in and ensure work could be sent to children at home. Work wouldn't stop just because children were not there.

LimitIsUp · 15/03/2020 12:57

YgritteSnow - tell me, how do you think Ireland, Spain, Italy etc have managed to close schools? Do you think Irish / Spanish / Italian parents didn't have childcare considerations to manage when schools closed?

Aragog · 15/03/2020 13:03

teachers must be furious today as they might not be getting the extra holidays they crave

When other professions work from home is it then just wanting an extra holiday?

LynetteScavo · 15/03/2020 13:14

I suspected that things would change for a lot of people just over the course of the weekend

I learned this morning DD has had close contact on Friday with the DC of a confirmed case. She may or may not have the virus. I'm going to send her to school but am not letting her anywhere near her grandparents.

I think certain children should be advised not to go to school, if they're vulnerable or their parents or sibling are.

Nearlypassover · 15/03/2020 13:21

But lynette, that’s fine for your family. What about the other children’s grandparents, don’t they matter?

DownstairsMixUp · 15/03/2020 13:25

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

DownstairsMixUp · 15/03/2020 13:28

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

LimitIsUp · 15/03/2020 13:30

Downstairs I am reporting your post for calling me an absolute thicko (and I suggest that you take a long hard look at yourself)

LimitIsUp · 15/03/2020 13:30

And we are all incurring financial losses due to the coronavirus

catspyjamas123 · 15/03/2020 13:31

Self-isolating here. If you are able then do it. Every family must make their own decision. I’m not sacrificing my kids to the theory of herd immunity!

MummyPop00 · 15/03/2020 13:50

I’m not getting the determination on sending kids in as exams are imminent. Surely there will be a tipping point when this takes hold (very soon) & they will simply be postponed if needs be?

And in any case, what’s worse, an exam resit next year or an infection, visit to grandparents & a preventable death in the family?

Your choice of course.

JuanSheetIsPlenty · 15/03/2020 13:55

I think certain children should be advised not to go to school

Yes- those who have had close contact with DC of a confirmed case!!