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Original poster

Childcare from 70+parents

13 replies

Keepgoing88 · 15/03/2020 09:31

Does anyone else have 70+ parents who help with childcare? My dad is not seventies, mum almost 70. They do 1 day every other week looking after one of our DC also do some school pick ups. What will happen if they have to isolate as per this morning's news. I don't want to put them in any danger so may need to reduce my hours?? Is anyone else in a similar situation?

OP posts:
Original poster
Keepgoing88 · 15/03/2020 09:31

I mean my dad is mid 70s!!

OP posts:
Loppy10 · 15/03/2020 09:32

In a situation like this I think it would be selfish to exposure elderly people to the most common infection vector

I've already cancelled the planned visit of my parents in law. Don't want to be responsible for them getting infected

MarthasGinYard · 15/03/2020 09:37

'They do 1 day every other week looking after one of our DC also do some school pick ups.'

I'm guessing you would have to find someone else to do this for you or take time off and do it yourself?

Not rocket science Grin

Original poster
Keepgoing88 · 15/03/2020 11:47

Alright alright, I'm in no way planning on making them do child care I'm more curious to see if there are others in the same boat and how they are handling the situation, not rocket science!

OP posts:
Squeezed · 15/03/2020 19:29

Same position and doting PIL are incredibly sad about us instigating reducing contact. We haven’t worked out the logistics yet and it could be very challenging. Our biggest concern is that DD has a lot of struggles with her mental heath that her GP really help with and we’re not sure how she will cope with this change in routine, but we feel that we need to do it.

pinkazing · 15/03/2020 19:35

My parents pick up my child 3 days per week after school . The plan had been for me to finish early then do pick up and then work from home, but It’s now been agreed I’ll just work from home and I can do pick up then. But I know I’m lucky, that I can work from home.

cricketmum84 · 15/03/2020 19:39

Yeah same position here. In laws do post school childcare 3 days a week and are both 70. FIL also has underlying lung condition. No way am I putting them at risk!

I'll be speaking to work tomorrow and organising an early finish those days then a few hours working from home in the evening to catch up.

Jackrusselsarecute · 15/03/2020 19:40

It's really hard isn't is OP? We are lucky enough to have help from both sets of grandparents. One lot understand that we are protecting them by making other arrangements for the DC, the others think we're "ridiculous" and are insisting on staying involved. Although as MIL is still running her Sunday school, Rainbow and Brownie groups I'm not actually thinking she's in any more danger from her grandchildren than any of the other children she's in contact with! As for the PP suggesting you should make other arrangements it's not always easy it?! We're both teachers, I can only imagine the response that I need to leave at 2.45 each day so that I can collect my own children!!

CosmicVagina · 15/03/2020 19:47

We are in the same boat, my parents have DS to days a week, both are at risk.

They have decided that they want to continue with the arrangement for now. I have to accept their decision, nursery would cost an extra £450 a month for those days even if they have space and don't close. If they decide the risk is too great DH and I will have to beg work to let us look after a 18 month old while we WFH or use annual leave.

Changedmyname84 · 15/03/2020 19:49

Our PILs have our kids after school 1 day a week. We have said we will make other arrangements - my DH and I going to wfh and try splitting our hours etc he can catch up in evenings etc

We just don’t want to risk exposing them - they understand - it’s frustrating for them not to see the kids but we don’t want to risk it.

Crunchymum · 15/03/2020 19:53

MIL is early 60s but FIL is a decade older so we may need to forgo their assistance (its MIL who has 2yo and does pick ups for older kids 3 days per week, but kids and of course MIL are around FIL)

We absolutely cannot afford to pay for childcare, I am actually thinking I'll have to resign Sad

GiveMyHeadPeaceffs · 15/03/2020 20:02

My DP's mum does 2 afternoons a week for us but if push comes to shove then I'll temporarily reduce my hours as will my DP. I'd rather not put her at risk as she's very good to us, she'll miss time with DS but there's always FaceTime.

Curlysusie · 15/03/2020 20:03

Yes, GPs do a day a week for us and a school pick up. We're going to make alternative arrangements this week to be on the safe side, I doubt they will suggest it themselves though and would carry on x

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