Fuming

[Daineseturbo]

OH took two DD’s to the park today - learnt they spent the day running around holding hands with two other kids. So much for social distancing. OH doesn’t see that’s there’s any issue with it. Covid is still very real, still dangerous - esp given that eldest spent 10 days in hosp at Christmas with PIMS (post-Covid complication). Am I being unreasonable?

@Daineseturbo i disagree with the majority of posters on here. I’m still being cautious, and I wouldn’t have been happy about my DD doing that either. Out of respect to the various medical professionals who are working tirelessly to get us out of this mess - I will continue to minimise contact. DS has a very mild runny nose ATM. I’m potentially meeting up outdoors with his cousin today (who also suffered a PIMS type reaction after Xmas) - but I’m going to make my sister aware, keep my distance, take a lateral flow test prior to meeting. I’m sure other posters will accuse you/me of being paranoid - but I do think your/my reaction is far more likely to save our country and prevent cases rising again. So - YANBU. And I completely sympathise with what you went through re PIMS, it was very, very scary - and my poor beautiful niece had to have dreadful tests for dreadful things at a time when it was difficult to get into hospital, and there was the risk of infection once in hospital.

I think if they went to the park you have to expect some form of interaction with others. They're kids. Probably didn't need to be holding hands no but they're touching swings and things everyone else is so it's no different really.

Honestly I get why you're sensitive about it, but I personally would rather ride out the small risk of holding hands than frighten my kids. Some of my DCs friends have so much anxiety now about touching things and people. I worry it's going to have a big impact on them in later life too.

Children need to play. I think it will be far more damaging long term to make them avoid other children. My little girl ended up befriending a 3 year old last week in the park and her mum burst into (happy) tears. That had been the first interaction she’d had with another child since before Christmas and she’d been getting worried about isolation and the effects it was having.

@Dustyhedge - I do see your point. And I am very concerned about the impact on my DS2 who has only played with his sister. But if this continues for longer due to a lack of caution now, surely that impact is worse on his well-being?

My instinct is to just follow the scientific advise, they know far more than me. So I will stick to the guidelines and be cautious.

I wouldn't give a flying fuck, personally. Sounds like they had fun.

But I don't fear covid and I want all restrictions to end. I know many others disagree.

They spent the entire day in the park running around holding hands with some other kid, and doing nothing else. That must have been very boring for them.

Somehow, I think you have made this into a drama.

YABU - are they in school/nursery?

Personally it wouldn't bother me.

Scotland had the right idea not expecting children to social distance.

To me not allowing kids to be kids playing with friends, hugging grandparents etc is far more damaging. My 4 year old loves going to the park and always finds new friends to play with.

Perhaps go to park at quieter times if you feel anxious.

Wouldn't bother me, would like to see them having fun.
Me and my 3 year old met one of her nursery friends at the park and while having a snack I watched my one open her cheese give it a bite then offer it to her friend who licked it and gave it back!! I wasn't quick enough to stop it happening and while it is a bit disgusting (covid or not) they spend 3 full days together at nursery so I just shrugged it off.

I do understand where you are coming from. The passed year we’ve been psychologically moulded to believe that going near anyone will make us ill and kill our grannies. Posters on bus stops, adverts of tv, adverts on the radio.

I think you're concern is more based around the experience with the hospital and of course that has left an effect on you.

But your children were playing, having fun in a time where they have had little normality.

In Scotland children under 12 don't have to socially distance so what you describe is a common sight and we all use playgrounds.

Your children are also running around with antibodies. I get that we live in a scary unknown world right now but let your children be children.

Get a sense of proportion! The majority of people are absolutely fine as Chris witty says. The risk is minuscule, far lower than the risk of increasing anxiety and other mental health issues caused by making children feel like leper’s

I'm with OP's OH on this.

Lord you’re OTT- they are on shared equipment in a playground- coronavirus isn’t going anywhere so I’d gain some perspective

Keep them at home then haven't kids suffered enough jeez

'Fuming' Ffs
How do school deal with this? I presume you're home educating to avoid your children coming into contact with others?
Your poor dh.

@LemonandGingerTeafor2

I went to the shop today and saw a group of 6 friends, teens, happy to be together. Then another just walking, laughing exactly how it should be. Toddlers playing in a park is exactly how it should be, just let them

It's joyous isn't it? Teen ds went out for the day on Tuesday with friends, he came back elated, literally glowing from having such a 'normal' day

Unless your child is so at risk YABU.

My goodness, have not kids suffered enough yet.

I understand this kind of worry with young kids as you are entirely responsible for their hand hygiene but honestly, the risk is tiny - far more likely in years past to have caught a stomach bug from touching hands, swings etc, which is greatly improved now with better hygiene.

Don’t be fuming. Wash hands frequently. All will be fine.

No, I couldn't be arsed about this, let alone "fuming".

@Nerdygirl

Get a sense of proportion! The majority of people are absolutely fine as Chris witty says. The risk is minuscule, far lower than the risk of increasing anxiety and other mental health issues caused by making children feel like leper’s

Bloody hell. The poster has already said her first DC was NOT FINE after Covid so glib reassurances that 'most people are fine' and to " stop being so ridiculous' are tone deaf at best and cruel at worst

Op, I can understand that you are worried but at the same time I think you should try not to worry so much as it will be counterproductive in the long run. The children were outside and not likely to catch anything . Make sure they wash their hands when they come home and try not think about it too much .

I hope your first DC is completely recovered