Keeping teenagers in

[Card1gan]

School is out tomorrow and my DDs are really struggling with the idea of abiding by the guidelines on social distancing and not seeing their friends.

The eldest is particularly struggling with the idea - she's just passed her driving test and having her independence and freedom away from her is tough. We've said she can meet a friend (preferably one at a time, no more than 2) outdoors to go for a walk, run or cycle but don't want her going to other houses and don't want her friends here (they're lovely and are usually welcome!).

We're being far more cautious than other parents according to DDs. DH and I are still in work so they don't understand why it's one rule for us and another for them.

What are you doing with your teenagers?!

Mine is 17 and he’s staying in. None of us are going out at all.

He understands the severity of the situation and what social
distancing means. If he didn’t, I’d be drumming it into him.

I don’t mean to be harsh but your Dd needs to understand that while it’s boring, it’s necessary to keep away from others at this time.

Also, going to work is vital. Meeting up with friends isn’t.

Someone sent me this today. I live in a very quiet isolated place though.

trib.al/qIVynNl

I think one person at a time and keeping distance whilst outside is ok. As long as your kid isnt the huggy type.

But it should be once or twice per weeks tops. And only if it's in a quiet area like a park or countryside. Wouldn't allow it in a city.

Perhaps you could give her the shopping list and send them to do that. That way at least it is something that has to be done anyway.

If your teen daughters can’t understand why working is vital and socialising isn’t then you have bigger problems. Do they follow the news at all? Show them what is happening in the USA where 40% of cases are young people between 20-54. That could happen here in the UK - they might be okay but would they be able to live with themselves if something happened to you / your partner?

@Connie222 I agree with you and DD is a 'good' so will follow our instructions. She understands the reasoning but it's hard when other friends are making plans to meet up and she's 'not allowed'. I'm glad your son understands the severity of the situation and is following the guidelines.

The advice on the photo from @backaftera2yearbreak could be interpreted as meeting small groups of friends is OK. I don't necessarily agree with that

Sending her to do the shopping is a great idea @Wanderlust21. I'm not sure what we'd end up eating for the week but it would be interesting...

Both DDs do understand the severity of the situation @GrumpyHoonMain, they are intelligent and follow the news. However, as I mentioned above, things can be interpreted differently by different people and the advice is advice and not law. It's particularly difficult when their friends parents are interpreting them differently, especially when some are medical consultants!

I don't think there is an issue with visiting a friend's house or going for a walk with friends, unless the DC/friend lives with an elderly/vulnerable person.

The current situation is likely to go on for many months and there is far more danger IMO from the mental health impact of absolutely no social contact for that length of time, even if the DC were to get the virus.