Struggling so much - please help

[sandy238373]

I currently have Covid and am struggling so badly with my toddler, who is 19 months old. I’ve been trying to avoid cuddles and any non-essential physical contact as much as possible as I’m terrified of giving him the virus and potentially long Covid. However, I think I’ve scared him as he’s suddenly become really clingy with DH and cries when DH leaves the room. I’m utterly distraught that I could have destroyed our precious bond and am also so afraid of him getting the virus. I just want to cuddle my boy without worrying and it is ripping me apart that I can’t.

I’ve also been in the house with him for the last 5 days and am going absolutely out of my mind. He’s climbing the walls and is obviously so bored and confused as to why we’re not going out like we normally do.

I feel at total rock bottom and so guilty, my anxiety and depression are back. I cannot bear to see my little boy upset and I cannot live like this for another 5 days. I just want to get out the house for a walk and give him a cuddle.

How has everyone else coped in this situation?

Anyone?

I'm so sorry you're having such a tough time! It's been a very long time since I had toddlers, and I can only imagine how awful lockdowns and self isolation would have been. In usual times you'd take a couple of aspirin, wrap up and go out anyway.
Just want to give you a big hug OP, and bump your thread for people who've experienced this
I think I'd go with cuddles anyway for a tiny tor like yours, but your anxiety is understandable.

OP just give your boy a cuddle. He lives in the same house if he's going to catch it then there's no avoiding it. I know it's tough right now but he's so little he won't remember this blip of you being unwell I promise. Do what you need to to get through the next 5 days, could you wrap up and both of you go in the garden to play for a while to get some fresh air?

Do you have a garden or outdoor space? Just get him out for a bit and cuddle him loads outside, if it makes you feel better. Or wear a mask and cuddle him?
Personally, I’d cuddle him anyway as he’s been exposed to the virus already.

Thanks for the replies. I know he’s been exposed, but aren’t regular cuddles going to make it even more likely that he gets it, even if outdoors? I’m so scared of giving it to him but am also devastated that I’ve upset him.

It will be harmless (most likely!!!!!!) if he catches it. Cuddle away.

I would go out late evening when noone is around for an outdoors walk too (if you are in a very quiet area like me).

So you're in the same room? You know it's airborne? So it doesn't really matter if you cuddle him if you're looking after him and in the same space. He'll either get it or he won't (or has already got it). You might as well give him a cuddle.

We all had it earlier in the year - DS brought it home from nursery and we all got symptoms within 24 hours. Kids had coughs for a few weeks, me and DH took a bit longer to recover but all fine. You just have to get creative with your days - sofa soft play, day time baths, messy play, baking, play in the garden, scavenger hunt round the house. It's only 5 more days.

OP, my husband and I caught it and both my young kids tested negative despite us taking no precautions. I was still breastfeeding the youngest.

Cuddle him! The impact of not cuddling him is so much more than covid could possibly be! And as an aside, if he is still have breastmilk do NOT take aspirin.

Have I really affected him mentally? I feel so guilty

Don’t feel guilty! Just give him lots of cuddles today .

Oh - and a top tip to entertain: water play. Toddlers love playing with water. Fill a bowl with warm water and find some suitable toys to wash. Hours of fun (for him!)

Cuddle your baby, I had covid a couple of weeks ago and did not avoid contact with my dc because it’s unfair and upsetting for them(and mien are older). Nobody else in the house caught it from me.

and did not avoid contact with my dc because it’s unfair and upsetting for them

It would be awful if he lost his sense of smell and taste like I have. I just don’t want him to get sick.

Cuddle him outside in the garden with your face over his shoulder.

Put him in the bath with loads of toys that he’s not normally allowed to take into the bath, or with loads of different containers, plastic bottles, funnels, spoons etc. That’ll keep him entertained for ages.

Both my toddler and my newborn (3 weeks old) have tested positive for Covid. Neither have had any symptoms. We didn't even try to keep the toddler from the newborn when the newborn had it (toddler had caught it 6 months previous) because we didn't want her to feel pushed out.

Kids don't seem to firstly be affected much (my two boys included) and I've not yet head of any with long covid.

Cuddle away. Reframe this whole time. Blankets on couch to watch TV together. Bath as above poster suggested. Lots of snacks and treats. Most important of all, smile and pretend you're relaxed and having fun even if you're not.

Your toddler will be grand!