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Lone parents

Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.

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Original poster

Shopping with 4 kids

19 replies

Mummy2boys87 · 24/03/2020 07:25

Hi I'm just wondering what the hell im meant do I've got 4 kids 7 months,20 months,6 and 11 I know I can go food shopping will I be ok take the kids I don't have no1 to do it for me I know food is essential and your allowed get it but I'm sure I'm going get looks like I'm ignoring the government

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

PatricksRum · 24/03/2020 07:28

7 mo in carrier/ sling
20 mo in pram. Use pram to put shopping in, scan, pack back in pram

How do you usually go shopping?

greyspottedgoose · 24/03/2020 07:30

Is your 11 year old sensible enough to watch the 6 year old so you can pop to the nearest shop for essentials? You obviously need to eat and the gatherings of more than two rule doesn't apply to a single parents shopping with kids so you could take them all.

Original poster

Mummy2boys87 · 24/03/2020 07:31

I have a double buggy I normally get big shop delivered then grab bits I've run out of but can't get no slots so I'm going have to take all the kids with me which obviously I can't avoid but know people will judge

OP posts:

Original poster

Mummy2boys87 · 24/03/2020 07:32

No not really they fight and argue like kids do

OP posts:

QuixoticQuokka · 24/03/2020 07:34

I'd take the baby and toddler and leave the older two, unless there are any SEN then in the circumstances the 11 year old should be able to look after the 6 year old for an hour.

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 24/03/2020 07:34

Can you contact local churches or faceboo groups and ask for help? Can their father help or any of his relatives? Even if you are on very bad terms, I would hope they would be de ent enough to drop food on your door step

NaughtyLittleElf · 24/03/2020 07:35

Could any of your neighbours go shopping for you when they do there's and leave it on your doorstep?

QuixoticQuokka · 24/03/2020 07:36

Just saw your last post, send them to their bedrooms or separate rooms with an activity and tell them to stay there until you get back.

NaughtyLittleElf · 24/03/2020 07:37

Good point about their father.

OMFL · 24/03/2020 07:38

Yes you can take them as you have no other option. Refer to BJ's statement last night.

OMFL · 24/03/2020 07:42

The government is banning public gatherings of more than two people, what are the exceptions?

where the gathering is of a group of people who live together - this means that a parent can, for example, take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home.

stophuggingme · 24/03/2020 07:52

Yes you can take them
Not ideal and I know myself as single parent going with my three even in normal circumstances is pretty awful but if you have no other choice you take them.

Original poster

Mummy2boys87 · 24/03/2020 08:09

Thanks for all your replies I,'ll just have to take them and make sure 6 year old keeps away from people I,ll try to leave the oldest at home as it would be quick trip.got enough food for a few days it's just giving me anxiety as I 100% think we all need to do our bit just when it's one adult and kids it's difficult

OP posts:

PumpkinP · 27/03/2020 01:56

To the pp who said “What about their father” not all fathers are around, plenty are absent. Mine is and has been for 3 years. This is the lone parent section so you think people would understand that! I have 4 aswell op, 9,8,6 and 2. They all have to come with me as can’t leave them alone, apparently some shops are only allowing 1 person in per family/ naming children so not sure what we are meant to do then.

PumpkinP · 27/03/2020 01:57

Naming banning children* not sure where naming came from

BecauseReasons · 27/03/2020 02:18

Can't be helped, OP.

notjustamother · 27/03/2020 21:47

I am in the same situation, 4 kids, dad is around but when I text asking for help just ignored. He's been socially distancing himself so hasn't had the kids for the last 2 weeks. I've been really lucky I've had friends dropping bits off to me, have you explained your socially distancing? I've had mums at the school etc offer to help when they realised and also local Facebook groups are offering help too.

niclw · 01/04/2020 12:32

I'm a single parent to an 18 month old. I got a lot of glares and odd looks when I went to the supermarket last week including from the staff who always speak to me as I only ever shop at the same place. I got sick of it so made a very loud comment at the tills about being a single parent and suddenly the looks became understanding. I'm planning another trip tomorrow. I have my list ready and will sit DS in his pushchair and will carry everything as I did last week. If I get weird looks I'll make comments again. I saw another parent last week who looked very harassed and embarrassed so I gave her a reassuring smile in the hope that it would help her.

Aeris1 · 01/04/2020 16:31

@niclw. I had to go shopping last week because my delivery got cancelled. I have a sen child who's nearly 5 in a special chair and I got looks and a comment 'should you be out with him'. People need to mind their own business and stop being judgemental, take no notice of them. It's not a crime to shop or leave the house. I had not been out for over a week and have no one to shop for us.
I bought chocolate and crisps too as they are essentials in my house.

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