Cried today while social distancing

[Nevanna]

We normally see family about every 2-3 months. The last time we saw SIL was last Xmas. We were due to see them in Feb but postponed due to Covid worries, not realising things would get worse not better.

Today they dropped by to exchange gifts, we had to socially distance because we aren’t their bubble (they were on their way to see BIL’s family). We stood on the doorstep and cried. Just wanted to hug them, especially when my little nephew produced a special gift for my DC and said how much he loved and missed us.

Just so sick of this bloody virus with no end in sight. Praying to be vaccinated soon.

It’s so tough isn’t it.

Can’t you meet them outside at a playground where the rule of 6 applies? Unless you are in tier 4 then sorry ignore that!!

@Nevanna
I really feel for you
We've had a really emotional day aswell and so you are not on your own.

I agree this virus just needs to do one - I just hope that the immunisation programme gets some sort of kick start and things are better by next Christmas

I've spent most of today in tears and tried to keep it together for the kids but it's been hard.

Sending you my best wishes and hope that 2021 will be better for all x

We haven’t met up because the adults would SD but the kids wouldn’t, which would defeat the object because the kids could pass the virus between us.

I don’t know anyone who’s expecting their younger kids to socially distance outside and just let them play normally.

There is an end in sight though OP. We have vaccines now and hopefully the Oxford one very soon.

Next year will be better.

Agree with OvertheRainbow88, everyone we know (including us) doesn’t expect the kids to social distance. Are you particularly high risk?

No but people in our bubble are. If the kids don’t SD then there’s no point in the rest of us doing it because they’ll just transmit the virus between us.

Sorry you've had this, we've had similar, we've spent Christmas Day on our own, but had our families drop off presents yesterday on the doorstep, and then we dropped of food / present for grandparent yesterday at the door step. It's really upset me, as I was debating so much whether to invite grandparent for Christmas at our house but I decided it wasn't worth the risk when their vaccine appt could be so close, but I've been really upset seeing friends posting pictures of them mixing with 4+ households inc elderly relatives today.
Not sure if we did the right thing, makes me feel awful.

Anyways you're not alone OP, this Christmas has been a bit shit for so many and let's hope the next one is more normal

My parents visited for a short time this morning. We had all the windows open and sat separate, plus me, DP and 2 sons all had negative tests.

They could have stayed for lunch but chose not to, they're in their late 70's and in good health. They have been so sensible since March. They love travelling and figure they have a few years left to cruise!

As they left I couldn't stop myself and hugged my mum and we were both so upset. She said the last time they had Christmas alone was in 1968 the year before I was born!

I'm so sad.

especially when my little nephew produced a special gift for my DC and said how much he loved and missed us.

I am so sorry for children, it's hard enough for adults.

We’re the same. Me and my kids plus my parents and sister and family. We’re tier 4 and usually all spend the Xmas period together (23-26 Dec) as it’s my birthday just before Xmas . We hugged with masks on on my birthday (my mum insisted) then did zoom for Xmas Eve and today. It’s so hard and I feel so sad too so hugs to you x

I would get together outdoors for a walk and let them play. I'm assuming these kids go to school with lots of other kids.....who are meeting up with other kids.....etc etc. You are probably more at risk of someone in their class's cousin than your own relatives fright now, which is absolute madness. If the children are little and without symptoms and they are playing outside, the chances of them passing it to each other are pretty small. We don't know when this is going to end. I think we all need to start doing a bit of risk assessment about meeting outdoors at least.

Nephew goes to school with others. My DC is too young for school, and I don’t want to be exposed to a school child because that’s literally one of the biggest possible risks.

It is crap isn’t it, my partners parents had flown over to spend christmas with him, they can’t as we’re in tier 4. Today they met us at the park, its the first time he has seen them in almost a year, but it won’t be forever.

It is so rubbish isn't it op. I'm really hoping that the Oxford vaccine gets approved and they roll it out really fast. There's no excuse now as it is cheap, easy to store and they've had plenty of time to recruit vaccinators.

As for your child, please let them meet up with your nephew outdoors. The risk outdoors is almost miniscule. And it is really important for them.

@OverTheRainbow88

I don’t know anyone who’s expecting their younger kids to socially distance outside and just let them play normally.

Hence why the virus is now spreading like wild fire through children

@SoscaredforJan there has to be a balance with children's mental health. I've had one primary dc that was suicidal during the last lockdown. Not lots of contact, but some contact is vital for humans. We are social animals.

Everyone is having the same day I am in tier 4 we have all tested negative and still petrified of giving it to my parents but we will go for a walk tomorrow I miss them dearly but you are not alone 1000's of people are being affected

@SoscaredforJan

Not amongst pre schoolers yet at least.

@SoscaredforJan

And you do realise at nursery and pre school they are inside and don’t have to socially distance whatsoever?

Bloody hell - that sounds fun.

Come on OP - your children will soak up that sadness and anxiety.

I am so sorry for children, it's hard enough for adults.

My children don’t need pity. Why? Because they have had a wonderful Christmas, with me, their single mother. The pandemic was the very last thing on their minds as I tucked them in to bed last night.

They’re 8 and 10.

It’s teenagers and uni students I pity.

Not young children. If they ate anxious and scared - it’s because they’ve watched and soaked up their parents anxieties.

I was out walking my dog on Christmas Eve, where I saw quite a few doorstep visits. I virtually cried all the walk, it’s so very sad. But I’m staying optimistic for the near future that with the vaccine rolling out now.

I know some people who only did socially distant visits with grandparents once and then not again as it was too upsetting with little kids too young to understand why. It's a shit situation for families right now.

I do think virtual is not being harnessed enough, including myself. We need to learn to have good long video chats with a cup of tea, set it up on TV or whatever and make it natural.