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Covid

Conundrum

5 replies

Chip22 · 23/03/2020 06:33

Would really appreciate some opinions on this because I am flummoxed. Might be a bit outing but can't really get the point across without explaining fully.

I'm a Doctor and DH is a Police Officer. DD is 13 months. My parents (early 60s, fit and well) have always very kindly provided childcare. Only 1-3 days a week depending on DH's shifts as I only work 3 days a week (although expecting both of our hours to increase dramatically and become very unpredictable). We have no other family or friends nearby in a low risk group who aren't key workers also.

DH and I are fairly certain we'll both be getting covid 19 due to the woefully inadequate PPE and difficulty of social distancing for police officers. DD will inevitably also get it then, because it's not possible to explain distancing to a baby who wants to climb all over you.

So what would you do in my position?

A. Continue to use parents, putting my loved ones at very high risk of getting covid

B. Start phoning round local nurseries and childminders and begging, hope they'll be ok with crazy hours and potentially spread covid around even more because DD will be mixing with more people in a childcare setting

DH off until Friday post nights (hopefully won't get cancelled!) so have until then to try and put something in place

OP posts:

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DMJ6789 · 23/03/2020 06:35

Personally i would try to hire a nanny.

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DMJ6789 · 23/03/2020 06:36

Actually I’m not sure that would be a good idea either though with the risks. What a dilemma this is for you. I hope you find a solution

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BuckingFrolics · 23/03/2020 06:48

Horrible dilemma. On balance and after all of 2 minutes thought, I'd go with still use your parents. That they are fit and under 70 is why I say this. Also better for your child. Also less stressful on balance for you. I'm so sorry you have this extra nightmare tho. Best of luck.

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Medievalist · 23/03/2020 06:57

I would go with A too, provided your parents don't mind. I'm early 60s too and fully expecting to get it. I'd rather get it helping those I love than randomly from a supermarket.