YANBU. I keep all my children at home. They still have fun. It helps to prevent spreading virus and protect life.

Reading posts from Italian parents who let their kids out then deeply regretted it online today and told the kids that they are in for the long haul regardless of their mates.

This is exactly what's on my mind right now.

I have some windows open and it sounds like any 'normal' spring day out there.

Next door have 4 kids on their trampoline, other next door's kid keeps coming to the door for mine.

I see the odd person out for a walk (fine I think) but the kids all playing so closely worries me.

I know I'm right, I'm sure I am, but I can't help wondering if I'm being too cautious.

I think I have to keep the kids away from their friends.... it's social distancing for all not just for adults right?

I also asked this question this morning as some people are letting/asking for play dates.

Another mumsnetter said the below and I agree with it:


"At Prime Ministers questions yesterday they said children who live together can play together. Children who don't live together should be kept 2m apart.

The children that are going to school on Monday have no choice but to be together - this is necessary contact. A play date is unnecessary contact."

The BBC video about what is social distancing says it means not having people over and not going to other peoples house and also to stop and close / in person socialising that isn't necessary...... I don't get why the play dates are still happening.

You’re right
They’re wrong

My 2 are not going near anyone for the foreseeable

Cleaning their trampoline up post winter for the ling spring/summer

You are doing the right thing. Unfortunately, at the moment, I think that only the minority of people are sticking to the social distancing guidance. People don't seem to appreciate that individuals are dying from this disease. Not to mention, the longer the nation delays social distancing, the longer it will take to actually beat this and get back to normality.

I’ve let my dd out on her bike with next doors child

At end of the day 2/3 say of the population re still working !
Half the kids are going back to school Monday

Currently my dh and both dds have been in all week so I’m happy for her to have her half hour out given they’re the only age group actually isolating so it seems!!

In defence both families are not meeting any elderly people (not even parents) and are keeping distance that way as will my kids. They can play only outside which is actually recommended as long as 6 ft away

2/3 working population

I’ve been quite surprised how quiet it is in our village today. Yesterday all the kids were out playing after school so I expected it to be the same today. But it’s not. Maybe the message is starting to get through

sunshine, I don't want be offensive but please remember. Even if you don't want to meet elderly or any people in vulnerable group, probably your healthy friend who you met may meet someone who will go to see elderly. That is the reason why we are asked to avoid unnecessary social contact. Some children still go to schools because their parents are key workers but it is not unnecessary social contact. We should watch what is happened in Italy now and we need to do our best to avoid it now.

I understand but if you think about it most adults are getting out and about for work or shopping for essentials etc - the only group not venturing out there door are the kids! I’m in work all week mixing with hundreds of people in large groups and it’s been deemed essential even tho it’s not

The government could reduce transmission quickly if it ordered severe key worker list and even then only skeleton staff in some areas

I’d say 2/3 if people I know work for key worker companies now in some way and all now be forced to work through new rules

I understand it. However you job is essential but kids play date isn't. If we cannot follow the advise now, more strict rules will be announced shortly

For the first time ever, my bell isnt being rung every 5 minutes. Didnt see a single child go past my window yesterday. My 10 yr old (11 on tuesday) has accepted her new way of life although i can already see sadness and loneliness (had her home since last week) she is calling freinds and they her, its hard as shes realised she wont be going back to her school again. Most parents here agree kids shoupdnt be out and school sent a letter to say kids shouldnt be out at park etc.. (small village and school). Its very strange but its absolutely for the best. My 2 year old however has cabin fever and demanding to go out and see freinds.