Young children don’t count in 2 person rule

Time2change2 · 2020-11-02T09:21:36+00:00

Just to say that the guidelines will be children under school age won’t count when 2 people are allowed to meet outside from Thursday. Got really annoyed at all the ‘children count are you thick????’ Threads recently. Poor mums with babies and toddlers who are never alone. At least they will still be able to meet outside with one other where the risk is tiny [[https://apple.news/AYLMDS68KRpK4wgDYPoB8eA]]

Dollywilde · 02/11/2020 09:27

Saw this earlier and tbh it’s the best news I’ve had in months. Currently have a 12 week old and PND and when I realised DD counted as another person and so I couldn’t see anyone outside the house I wept. DH is so supportive but he’s working 60 hour weeks at the moment (not a key worker but has a job that’s exploded with business due to the pandemic) and I was facing a really bleak few weeks, now I can meet my mum for a socially distanced walk around the park with a thermos and have a bit of an offload. It’s a game changer and I’m so, so happy.

Original poster

Time2change2 · 02/11/2020 09:31

@Dollywilde

Saw this earlier and tbh it’s the best news I’ve had in months. Currently have a 12 week old and PND and when I realised DD counted as another person and so I couldn’t see anyone outside the house I wept. DH is so supportive but he’s working 60 hour weeks at the moment (not a key worker but has a job that’s exploded with business due to the pandemic) and I was facing a really bleak few weeks, now I can meet my mum for a socially distanced walk around the park with a thermos and have a bit of an offload. It’s a game changer and I’m so, so happy.

I am so so happy for you! My kids are at school but I have a friend and a sister with a young baby. Thank god they have put this in because being stranded with a young baby and no support is barbaric imo

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MrsMigginsMate · 02/11/2020 09:34

The people shouting on those threads won't actually read and register this one. They know better than all of us remember, they'll be off shouting in other threads about something else today. I share your frustration at the rules police on this forum. Fascinating how they knew more about the rules than the government did at the time because the full draft hadn't been finalised.

Ratatcat · 02/11/2020 09:42

I’m glad this is in place and I think keeping playgrounds open will make a big difference I ended in mat leave in lockdown and I really feel for new mums. My 4yo is quite civilised now and it’s easy enough to take her out but spending all day with my 1yo can be quite draining. Work gave me some respite during lockdown last time and just desperately hoping nursery and school stay open as the thought of working and looking after them again fills me with dread.

Racoonworld · 02/11/2020 09:46

I’m really pleased for myself and everyone else that this has been brought in. It’s going to make such a difference being able to meet someone for a walk with my baby.

movingonup20 · 02/11/2020 10:32

The problem is that people lie, there were circa 14 year olds on the bus (no parents with them) claiming to be under 11 so didn't need to wear a mask. Children running around in the pub putting their hands on other tables whilst parents said nothing. I'm not even meant to see my kids because they have turned 18 (just) so no I don't have sympathy for lots of exceptions. Needs to be clear rules for all otherwise everyone thinks they should have special treatment. With kids the exception should be if they are in a carrier/pushchair, once they are walking and talking they count as a person! We went yesterday to see dd who we have no idea when we'll see her again, clinically vulnerable with learning disability so can't understand why people keep abandoning her! The regulations are cruel to everyone, not just mums with babies.

Original poster

Time2change2 · 02/11/2020 10:42

@movingonup20

The problem is that people lie, there were circa 14 year olds on the bus (no parents with them) claiming to be under 11 so didn't need to wear a mask. Children running around in the pub putting their hands on other tables whilst parents said nothing. I'm not even meant to see my kids because they have turned 18 (just) so no I don't have sympathy for lots of exceptions. Needs to be clear rules for all otherwise everyone thinks they should have special treatment. With kids the exception should be if they are in a carrier/pushchair, once they are walking and talking they count as a person! We went yesterday to see dd who we have no idea when we'll see her again, clinically vulnerable with learning disability so can't understand why people keep abandoning her! The regulations are cruel to everyone, not just mums with babies.

Yes of course, that is also cruel to your DD. They are not cruel to everyone. I have 3 kids all in primary school. They have missed out on so many joyful things but it’s not comparable to new mums. It’s the most vulnerable time in a many women’s lives and can be make or break for a life time of depression and medication if it goes badly. Of course vulnerable people and elderly in care homes who do not understand - it’s very cruel to also. But one small mercy to one group doesn’t make that any more cruel to the others. The rate of outside transmission is tiny, for anyone toddler or adult

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Camomila · 02/11/2020 10:50

I'm so happy about this - it means I can go for walks with DM and DS2 (9m) round the park.
I'm going back to work in December and she's going to be looking after him, I don't want him to be scared of her (although maybe a month isn't enough time?)