What am I supposed to do?

[SingingUnicorn]

Trying to read through threads here but I’m getting myself more anxious over what to do.

I’m a nurse and work in a nursing home for people with learning disabilities on Monday and Tuesday nights. Obviously I’m still expected to work, but my dilemma is that I’m a single parent with three dc. Usually they go to my mums overnight and she takes them to school on Tuesday and Wednesday while I’m asleep. School have said they should be able to still go in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but what am I supposed to do about them sleeping at my mums?! If I don’t go to work then there’s no money coming in (other than tax credits and child benefit).

[VadenuRewetje]

Is your DC's dad in the picture at all?
How old are the kids?
How old is your mum and does she have any underlying health conditions?

Putting your mum at greater risk is not a sensible thing to do, and children are generally superspreaders.

I think your best plan is to ask your employers to juggle the timetable to give you school-hours-only shifts and give the night shifts to people without young children to look after.

[Mintjulia]

How old is your mum, and does she have any health issues?

Have you asked her what she thinks? If she’s under 60 and healthy, she may be happy to carry on as normal. I’m 56 and have an 11yo so life goes on as normal for me. Good hygiene and a few minor changes to routine will help.

I’ll probably get shot down here but a sense of proportion is important. Life has to go on.

[Enough4me]

Really depends on your mum.
I'm awake with irritating dry cough, easily breathless, was on paracetamol for previous 2 days for temperature, but now have heated blanket on and cold. I'm in isolation with DC as may have Covid19. I'm early 40s and no health conditions.

My mum is early 60s, but underlying health issues, so I wouldn't expect her to be around anyone's DCs or take risks. I wouldn't want her to have this.

[letmeinthroughyourwindow]

Can work change you to a daytime shift for the duration. Maybe swap you with someone who doesn't have children?

I think the alternative would be telling them that you can't come to work, which they won't want.

If they are inflexible then sadly you have no choice. If you have no one to look after your children safely, you will have to stop going to work. It is awful, but a situation thousands are facing - anyone not a keyworker has no right to send their children to school or childcare after today.