Parenting with temporary disability.

[outedmyselfagain]

This is probably a really stupid question but I have sustained a leg injury and can’t weightbear at all and can’t drive (obviously)

I have three young kids, two preschool age and one in reception.

My husband has no annual leave left to take and we have no local family to help.

How do people do schoolruns in these circumstances? Are there places you can hire a wheelchair from? (Although god knows how I can keep the two little guys safe if I can’t move unless I somehow sit them on my lap!)

I’ve got till Monday to be able to walk, or can mumsnet come up with any good ideas?

Ask the school? They may have a member of staff who is willing to help out with taking the little one to class and back home

I would not even dare go out with two pre schoolers whilst in a wheelchair as I think that could be super dangerous depending upon all sorts of factors

I know the wheelchair plan is crazy. I’ve even started to wonder if I can somehow rig something up with DS1s buggy board and somehow propel myself and the double buggy to school.

I know it’s crazy I just need more sensible ideas.

Calling the breakfast club people and seeing if I can book him in and get mr to drop him off on the way to work is probably my best idea for mornings.

He’s only in reception so I don’t know very many mums yet.

Some taxi services do school runs. The council may be able to help with the cost but not sure?

Could you get a loan to cover the taxi costs?
I have a long term disability and health conditions and sometimes have to use taxis as a result.

I’m sure some of the parents would help out.

Could your DH's work be flexible so he can start a little later after the school run and pop home to deliver the child back to you after school has finished? I know the big multi national I work for would be happy to do this. Alternatively speak to some of your child's classmates mums or dads. I took a child to school for a few weeks after his mum had a knee op and I don't think anyone would mind.

I can’t go to the school gates to talk to any school parents to ask for help and I’m reluctant to lean too heavily on the two that I actually have contact details for.

Hubby commutes to work so it’s not really feasible. Plus the reason he has no leave left is that I had a (completely unrelated) serious health problem earlier in the year and was unable to look after the kids alone for some time. Their patience may have worn a bit thin!

I guess I ask the people I can contact for help now and see if I can somehow spread the word a bit and see if anyone else has helped. I know two families who always walk and have to walk past the end of my road. I could probably struggle with my crutches and my double buggy to the end of the road (about 10 houses) if they could walk him from/to there...

Book minicabs, and/or ask the parents you know and offer booze or cash. If you can't walk it's obvious you're not taking the piss!

If necessary ask the school for help - they may be able to put you in touch with parents who live near you.

You may be able to get help from the adult social care department x