Send son to nursery or not

[NCParanoia]

I wonder if any of you can help me with your advice: DPs job is apparently a key worker role so DS (2.5yo) could effectively go to nursery, which I think we will have to pay for either way. If DS attends then I'll be able to do my self employed work (there's a lot more work atm because I can wfh in a way others can't who do my job) but obviously we are increasing our risk of catching Covid 19 by sending him there.

Other than nursery we would be completely self isolating and not even going to the shops... but I'm worried that its not worth the risk in case we get it. We have a baby who is 4mo so obviously he is still so little but I can't get any work done at all whilst looking after the both of them (it literally needs to be silent so I can do my job) and I'm having to turn down work.

I wouldn’t send him.

Don’t send him if at all possible.

I’m in a similar situation. DH is a KW. If we send DS to school, I can work. If we don’t, I’m at home and probably for a long time unpaid. There is no support for me not working from the Government.

Depends on what his job is?

Yes I'm worried about the lack of support too OakSquare. If I can't earn then we may not be able to cover our outgoings.

Why does DPs job make a difference?

No don't. Why is your DH 'apparently' a key worker? If you can WfH do so around your child and DH. It may mean there's not much down time but if you send him you're putting more pressure on a nursery that needs to provide childcare for truly essential workers. The ones who might save your life.

If you dont have to send him then dont

If you can keep him at home then do so. The guidance is very clear.

You shouldn’t be sending him if you can care from him at home, which you can as you wfh. This has been made clear by the governments advice (and many posts on here).

I work from home. My OH has been listed as a key worker. The kids will be staying at home because they can. School and nursery provision is for people who genuinely have NO other option. I would keep them at home. It is our responsibility to minimise the spread of this. We should be looking for all ways to keep kids in not the opposite.

I would get together with your dh and work out a schedule.

When he is home he needs to take over the childcare fully so you can wfh.

Also when your baby is sleeping put the tv on for your toddler and work then also. Use any idea to occupy them so you can get work done.

Schedule any available 15 min slot in the day for you to wfh.

I would not send your dc these circumstances. Avoid the risk.

No you don’t send him. Your son would not be self isolating as he’d be mixing with people who had been god nos were. It’s to enable those essential to keep working, not those who arnt, don’t take advantage of it.

Don’t.

The guidance on this is clear.

Please don’t. Or the system is going to fail for the NHS staff who genuinely need this service.

I cannot wfh with the two DCs because I am a voiceover artist so it really does need to be silent! I'm doing as much as I can in the evenings but its not exactly a pop on the tele for the toddler and get 15 mins done type job. My studio is in different room and is obviously sound treated so I wouldn't be able to keep an eye on DS2, and hes a slippery one! The baby is the easy one really.

Having said that I do completely agree with you all and my instinct says to keep him home, even though this diminishes my earning potential.

The guidance is clear. Nursery is a last resort. Keep them home if you can.

You're right thiugh PinkPolka I think ill have to work out with DP that when he's home I can do some work and he can take the Dcs in to the garden or something.

You have a 4 month old so technically you’re on mat leave and claiming some form of MA? So you don’t really need to send him in. The guidance is there and there for a reason ffs.

Don’t you think other people without a key worker in the family are struggling with working from home? They don’t have the option to send their child anywhere.

It isn’t that you actually can’t look after your child. It just means work is a bit tricky. That means they stay with you.

I’m confused. In our area only children who’s parents are both key workers are entitled to childcare. Are you sure this is even an option?

They are safer at home. Keep them home.

No mat leave for me as I am self employed and I decided to carry on working instead of claiming MA. Did a job the day I got our of hospital!

I've heard varying things about both parents having to be a KW but i don't think it's the case here.

Also- I really was asking the question and weighing it up, looking for advice, hence why I posted.

Yes I think it must be really hard for those people PurpleDaisies.

Send him
Expose him to the risk of contracting the virus
Then you get it
Your dp gets it
Your baby gets it