How worried are you about your DC's catching covid at school?

[Beebityboo]

My DC's go back on Monday and because I am an absolute masochist, I have been on twitter far too much today and got myself really worked up about sending them back. I have been scared about them going back since last March when I pulled them out two weeks early and I sent them back in September with great reluctance. My youngest had a cancer scare over a year ago and it triggered quite severe health anxiety. I am also disabled and shielding (though now vaccinated which is a huge relief).

It seems with this new variant and no vaccine for younger children on the horizon I have to accept there is a good chance they will in fact catch this, that if I want them to have a decent quality of life and go back to school I need to accept that risk. The issue is due to my anxiety I have a really hard time understanding risk/statistics etc and having been born with an incredibly rare disability I have never really been reassured by them. Before schools closed last Christmas there were lots of scare stories about lots of children being in hospital and it seems that this new variant really does infect younger children much more readily.

How worried are you about your children possibly catching covid at school? Do you worry about them getting very unwell or suffering long covid?

I suppose I need someone to help me to get my head straightened out and things in perspective.

@iVampire

Very, but I’m trying not to think about it

I have leukaemia, and although there’s no definite reason (in terms of how the jabs work) that they would not work for people like me. no-one knows for sure that they do. And there is no testing to see if it has

So DD (6th former) bringing it home from school is my biggest risk, and it could go very badly for me if she does

Uniquely, of all the groups JCVI recommended as first wave priority in November, immediate household of CEV were removed from cat 6 (because there was back then insufficient evidence that vaccines would have enough of an effect on transmission). Even now there is, the government is refusing to restore that priority

So we have to wait until she’s 18, by which time she’ll be off on A level study leave and the mingling at school will have reduced sharply

It’s a bit of a shit situation

That is a horrid situation

Not worried at all about dc going back. Schools should never have closed. More worried that my 9 yr old DS tells me he wants to die on a regular basis as he misses school so much.

I think it's reckless that they've sent all kids back together at the same time, rather than rota for a little while until more are vaccinated. In terms of education and catching up, my kids personally will be ok - from my experience so far, kids at the top of the class are held back whilst others catch up in primary anyway (irrespective of covid). I'm glad they'll be getting the social side though.

Zero worried

Not worried.

What seriously stresses me is 10 weeks of school in the last 52 and the impact this has had on their mental health.

Longer post because I am sad at how many on here would behave so poorly towards someone asking pertinent questions. No-one deserves negativity like this.

OP, Chill. I can feel the wobble. May help to reframe "worry" as a concern that you haven't really addressed. Ignore the unpleasant "see your GP for anxiety" unless that is, you're shaking at the thought of leaving the house. No? Exactly.

Did we have concerns about a return to primary school. Yes, definite possibility of infection, and low risk of DD suffering significant illness, but significant risk of infection and transmission to us as parents, which we are keen to avoid on health grounds. Not yet vaccinated. That's us.

We addressed it: we told the school earlier this week that DD would not be returning before Easter and that we were happy to discuss. Kthnx. It felt good to press send on THAT email. Honestly.

I say this because it took me a while to get past the pressure to go along, the emotive comments about education, development, MH, etc plus the standard mother guilt (and luckily avoided anyone implying I needed medicating for being concerned.) It was easy once I realised that what school did or said next would not change our situation or our decision; DD will remain safely at home and this is appropriate for us, period.

Ready for a fight, I was expecting an unpleasant phone call. It never came. Instead, no-one was threatened with anything like big scary legal action, fines or being labelled as "that parent". (I am actually THAT parent, I was just hoping I had another year before they realised.)The Head was commendable and the teacher was in touch within hours to tell me that work was coming as usual by email over the weekend in time for Monday. Fantastic.

Amongst other things, they obviously appreciate that the contempt demonstrated by threatening parents in this situation would destroy the respect/trust relationship that parents and teachers rely on daily. Burning bridges with parents is best avoided.

Making your decision to send your child back into the classroom can be tough, sure. But it is your decision. Every child, every family is unique. Do what's right for you. And whatever you choose to do next week, best of luck, OP.

Every child, every family us unique. Do whats right for you

No! Do what's right for your dc and family in general not whats right just for you.

About 0.05%. Which is my likelihood of being hospitalised, plus the likelihood of my kids being hospitalised. Pretty much everyone else we see is vaccinated. Basically not at all.

@MrsArchchancellorRidcully

Not worried at all about dc going back. Schools should never have closed. More worried that my 9 yr old DS tells me he wants to die on a regular basis as he misses school so much.

@MrsArchchancellorRidcully I'm so sorry, I really hope your ds is getting some sort of support, from school or CAMHS

Not even slightly worried. DD has probably already been exposed already since her older sisters had Covid. And children are very mildly affected anyway.

@motherrunner

Very.

2 primary aged children who will mix in different bubbles for classes and wraparound. DH and I secondary teachers, 49s so not vaccinated.

Shit scared.

I am sorry, I just roll my eyes at this kind of thinking. It kind of worries me that as a teacher you cannot properly look at stats, and / or assess risk property.

@Clusterfckintolerant

Longer post because I am sad at how many on here would behave so poorly towards someone asking pertinent questions. No-one deserves negativity like this.

OP, Chill. I can feel the wobble. May help to reframe "worry" as a concern that you haven't really addressed. Ignore the unpleasant "see your GP for anxiety" unless that is, you're shaking at the thought of leaving the house. No? Exactly.

Did we have concerns about a return to primary school. Yes, definite possibility of infection, and low risk of DD suffering significant illness, but significant risk of infection and transmission to us as parents, which we are keen to avoid on health grounds. Not yet vaccinated. That's us.

We addressed it: we told the school earlier this week that DD would not be returning before Easter and that we were happy to discuss. Kthnx. It felt good to press send on THAT email. Honestly.

I say this because it took me a while to get past the pressure to go along, the emotive comments about education, development, MH, etc plus the standard mother guilt (and luckily avoided anyone implying I needed medicating for being concerned.) It was easy once I realised that what school did or said next would not change our situation or our decision; DD will remain safely at home and this is appropriate for us, period.

Ready for a fight, I was expecting an unpleasant phone call. It never came. Instead, no-one was threatened with anything like big scary legal action, fines or being labelled as "that parent". (I am actually THAT parent, I was just hoping I had another year before they realised.)The Head was commendable and the teacher was in touch within hours to tell me that work was coming as usual by email over the weekend in time for Monday. Fantastic.

Amongst other things, they obviously appreciate that the contempt demonstrated by threatening parents in this situation would destroy the respect/trust relationship that parents and teachers rely on daily. Burning bridges with parents is best avoided.

Making your decision to send your child back into the classroom can be tough, sure. But it is your decision. Every child, every family is unique. Do what's right for you. And whatever you choose to do next week, best of luck, OP.

I love this post. I hate seeing so many posters minimising genuine fears from parents.

@Clusterfckintolerant

Longer post because I am sad at how many on here would behave so poorly towards someone asking pertinent questions. No-one deserves negativity like this.

OP, Chill. I can feel the wobble. May help to reframe "worry" as a concern that you haven't really addressed. Ignore the unpleasant "see your GP for anxiety" unless that is, you're shaking at the thought of leaving the house. No? Exactly.

Did we have concerns about a return to primary school. Yes, definite possibility of infection, and low risk of DD suffering significant illness, but significant risk of infection and transmission to us as parents, which we are keen to avoid on health grounds. Not yet vaccinated. That's us.

We addressed it: we told the school earlier this week that DD would not be returning before Easter and that we were happy to discuss. Kthnx. It felt good to press send on THAT email. Honestly.

I say this because it took me a while to get past the pressure to go along, the emotive comments about education, development, MH, etc plus the standard mother guilt (and luckily avoided anyone implying I needed medicating for being concerned.) It was easy once I realised that what school did or said next would not change our situation or our decision; DD will remain safely at home and this is appropriate for us, period.

Ready for a fight, I was expecting an unpleasant phone call. It never came. Instead, no-one was threatened with anything like big scary legal action, fines or being labelled as "that parent". (I am actually THAT parent, I was just hoping I had another year before they realised.)The Head was commendable and the teacher was in touch within hours to tell me that work was coming as usual by email over the weekend in time for Monday. Fantastic.

Amongst other things, they obviously appreciate that the contempt demonstrated by threatening parents in this situation would destroy the respect/trust relationship that parents and teachers rely on daily. Burning bridges with parents is best avoided.

Making your decision to send your child back into the classroom can be tough, sure. But it is your decision. Every child, every family is unique. Do what's right for you. And whatever you choose to do next week, best of luck, OP.

Your poor kid.

Honestly, reading some threads over the last 12
Months it’s no wonder we’re raising a generation of kids who quake in their boots at the thought of taking an exam, or sneezing, or breaking up with a boyfriend. Resilience - or pragmatism - doesn’t seem to exist anymore.....

@ThePenIsBlue I’m sorry my health anxiety is a cause for mockery. I would never dismiss another person’s feelings. I answered the question honestly based on what I have seen the last year in the school and area I teach/live in. It may not be logical but that’s how I feel.

The new variant is more easily transmitted but NOT more dangerous for young children, OP. They are incredibly unlikely to be seriously ill.

@Oblomov21

Nope. Not at all. And if they do catch it, must likely it won't be that bad. Please see your GP about your chronic anxiety.

Tbh I get fed up of reading such ignorant comments tbh.

I presume that @Oblomov21 was one of the lucky majority, who hasn't spent most of the last year shielding, isolated away from others, not leaving the house because she or a household member is on the cev list! I did. Literally only saw our four walls and our garden from March to August. We didn't enjoy holidays, Eat Out offers, etc, as the risks were still there. Our children Had to return in September, despite the cev guidance. Our lockdown has not been the same as those who have still gone out and about in the last 12 months. We went from incredibly active lives to hermits.

Had you been, you'd have had empathy that it is not as simple as "it won't be that bad" and "see your GP!"

Such statements are at best ignorant, most definitely offensive.

My dying would leave by child an orphan. Though only I am on the cev list (in our household) my child has also been previously hospitalised for respiratory issues. So forgive me, if I also am feeling nervous about the return to school.

Yes, I have had the first vaccination. Fingers crossed that reduces the likelihood of death again. But remember my projected rate is already significantly higher than another of the same age without the conditions. So means that my odds have improved. Not that the chance has been removed. Nor has it removed the chances that my child may be one of the very unlucky ones. Nor has it reduced the odds that my child and I both could contend with long covid.

So, please keep your ignorant posts and try to actually understand how it feels for others.

My child will be returning. Intake some comfort from the currently lower rates. But also know that there will be inevitable repeated disruption again. That my child is still vulnerable. That I am still vulnerable. That yes I could, regardless of how much lower the odds now, leave my child an orphan. The Brazilian and other variations remain an unknown. Long covid remains an unknown. But my concerns are not unreasonable in our circumstances.

I'm a fairly robust sort but I have found shielding absolutely dizzying and anxiety provoking. From being told to keep away from the windows, that our death shouldn't count towards the total, that we must tiptoe around others like pantomime thieves for fear of using up a hospital bed, to orders to get back indoors again and try not to die. It's been a long old year that resembles an exercise in enforced helplessness.

I'd be surprised if many just pop back into the smooth running of everyday life without a few wobbles.

Op, my dc are going back to school. It's something that I'm not worried about. But I'm not unscathed from it either. I have a knot in my stomach that won't shake and it just might take a beat for us to find our sea legs again.

I live outside of the UK
My 12 yo DD caught the uk (kent) variant at school in a big (40+) outbreak despite everyone wearing masks, strict small bubbles, no extra curricular activities going on, and excellent hygiene measures in place. I caught it from her. She has now been referred to a specialist at the children's hospital for ongoing problems. I am still having problems too, after more than 4 weeks.

I wasn't worried before, because of all the above measures in place. I'm worried now about my younger daughter and my husband, who both tested negative. We isolated at home.

Now the school is doing mass testing every week I'm a bit more reassured. Having covid has affected us in so many ways, not just physically. I went to hospital at one point and was lucky...discharged not needing treatment and having had a CT scan, ECG etc. But it was a scarring experience

I have several friends who also caught the virus. All of them still have problems.

But kids need to be in school for so many reasons. I think it's a case of having to live with the risks, even though you don't exactly know what the risks are. There are so many variations of how people experience this virus.

I wish you all well.

I'm fairly laid back - both children's best friends have had families where they've all had covid, or had heavy exposure via their work environment so probably had it asymptomatically before testing was widespread - if mine were likely to have picked it up it would have been then really.

End of the day - I worry more about the impact of the lockdowns and loss of social interaction and the kids' mental health.

I'm also worried about the environment one child is going back into - there was a core group of boys in the class who had really completely gone wild during the first school lockdown (and spent most of it playing fortnite to be honest) to the point behaviour was just a nightmare across the entire year group BEFORE we did it all again - even the ones in KW provision have been very very challenging in their behaviour so god knows what the mix is going to be like when they're all back together next week.

@ThePenIsBlue what an awful attitude to have towards a very balanced post. You and your people who like to dismiss the valid concerns of others, do you do this to your own children?

OP, DH is ECV but has had his first vaccine. Based on that and low rates in the area, DS is going in. DH is still hesistant but I have to consider that his dad died young from a similar condition. Thankfully his consultant has been amazing, and has helped him to rationalise his thoughts.

I am very worried about them catching covid, they already did catch it from school, so this does play on my mind a lot.
I know they have to go back to school and I know things are getting better with vaccines, but yes to be honest, I really think it will be a long time before this is over, I think there will be further lockdown, although my main concern now is, people are not complying, or won't comply in the future, making it so much worse for everyone that is trying to do the right thing and follow all the rules

An option would be to keep them home this term and pay the fine? They could go back in the summer term when things are likely to be better?

Very worried. Not about the kids, their risk is low, but about them bringing it home and infecting the vulnerable adults in the household.

Honestly, reading some threads over the last 12
Months it’s no wonder we’re raising a generation of kids who quake in their boots at the thought of taking an exam, or sneezing, or breaking up with a boyfriend. Resilience - or pragmatism - doesn’t seem to exist anymore.....

My pragmatism may be in the fact that my child will not go to school next week. And resilience is in fighting for my pragmatic decision.

I don't know what generation you are raising, I am raising the one able to think for themselves.

I’m not at all worried about them getting it, but I am very worried about them having to self isolate for 10 days as a “close contact” of a false positive. The size of my dc’s schools suggests some 150 children every 3-5 days will be in this position (5 false positives each time, each in contact with 30 others).