Do let your children play outside - it’s perfectly reasonable

[MNnicknameforCVthreads]

Says Matt Hancock. www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/56026820

At last some sense.

Thought it was worth sharing this as half term is next week.

But they still can't play with children from outside their family. I wish we had followed the Scottish and Welsh examples such that under 12s could mix. One parent could then take two or three kids to the park.

Pointless when they can’t play with other children.

How is fresh air and exercise 'pointless' if they can't play. They can play with the parent or their siblings or just enjoy the outdoors. Defo far from pointless

I’d let me kid play with another. Not loads. Just one. We went sledging with a neighbour the last couple time it snowed. The risk is so minimal outdoors. We certainly weren’t the only ones doing it either!

I laughed that kids mustn’t play with others at the park advice today. Has Boris ever taken his kids to the park? My 3 year olds favourite thing to do is make friends in the park. I certainly won’t be stopping her, it’s a vital part of her brain & well-being development! I imagine she’d be pretty upset if I told her not to play with other kids!

If they’re playing out and other children are also playing out nearby, that can’t be helped can it...

Anyone can meet another person outside for exercise. This includes children play is exercise.

I do not need Matt Hancock to tell me my kids can play outside.

They have been meeting a couple of friends for bike rides and it's kept them happy / sane

My toddler also plays with a couple of kids outside

Risk is low and it's kept them happy

My DS has been playing with his friend over the road all week in the snow. It is the most fun he has had in ages and the first time he has played with a friend since december. He has been so smiley and happy all week!

@LadyCatStark

If they’re playing out and other children are also playing out nearby, that can’t be helped can it...

Exactly.

I think this is the way to start playing things now if you know the other children have basically been at home and not exposed. I think I’ll be more careful if I know the other children are, eg going to nursery everyday.

My 11 year old is meeting a friend next week. They're going to grab lunch and take it to the park and play football.

This isn't new.

My DD went sledging with her best friend and sister once last week. They found a quiet hill in the fields away from the main, busy hill.
It's great for kids to be out.