Have we been breaking the rules?

[Yamaya]

I thought under 5s didn't count in the number of people you can meet up with? So I have been meeting up with another mum in playgrounds with our 4 year old. Now I see paediatricians are asking children to be allowed to play together... And I'm not sure.

That should say 4 year olds. We have one each!

Rules are different in different parts of the UK. Access your nation's rules and look it up. Here is a page where you can start:
www.gov.uk/coronavirus

"Children under 5, and up to 2 carers for a person with a disability who needs continuous care, are not counted towards the gatherings limits for exercising outside"

"Playgrounds are primarily open for use by children who do not have access to private outdoor space, like their own garden. Although you can take your children to a playground for exercise, you must not socialise with other people while there."

Hmm... Still not sure then.

In England:

You and your friend are allowed to meet up for exercise.

You are allowed to bring as many under 5s as you like.

You are allowed to use playgrounds.

Technically the two households should maintain 2m distance. Even when exercising. Even when in the playground. Even if they are babies/toddlers. But in practice, no one would expect that of under 5s.

The paediatricians are calling for all children to be allowed to play together. A 5 year old can only go out to exercise with their household right now. As they are too young to go meet a friend for exercise on their own. And too old to do what you have been doing with your 4yo.

So paediatricians are calling for children to be allowed to play together, without maintaining a 2m distance. This will affect over 5s more than your children. But technically, even yours should be maintaining a 2m distance from friends under the current guidelines.

As you’re probably standing socially distanced and chatting rather than walking and you arranged for your dcs to meet, then basically, yes. The other alternative is to standing at the opposite ends of the playground flicking the bird at one another. I know which one I’d choose....

Thank you. So pretty much we are OK. Me and the other mum always keep a 2m distance. I know the kids can get a bit too close but know they shouldn't hug or kiss each other.
I think it should be more like Scotland when under 12s being able to play. Especially now with numbers right down from where they were. Obviously doesn't matter what I think though.

The only thing is you and your friend aren't doing exercise; you're standing in a park chatting while the kids play.

I'm sure no ones going to say anything, and I'm certainly not trying to be a party pooper, but this is why I haven't been doing what you have - because you're only allowed to meet another adult for exercise together.

Yes you are standing by you are facilitating your child's exercise that they wouldn't be able to do without an adult taking them there or supervising. They have a right to exercise too