Too unwell to get children to primary school

[Stixk]

If you’re unwell and recovering ..but too poorly to take your children to school, what do you do ?
No one else to help .
Do you tell the school or not? Please can someone advise on this .

Have you got a class WhatsApp group or any other parents numbers?

I do have some yes . Not actual friends with them though. This is for a while too - not just a couple of days

Can you take them in a taxi so you don’t have to walk or drive?

I would pay a babysitter to do the school run.

I struggle to imagine many situations where anyone would be too ill to get their dc to school, but well enough to look after them at home all day. If I was vomiting, I’d take a sick bucket with me, if necessary. Next week, I’m having an operation which will mean I can’t drive for at least 4-6 weeks. I do have a Dh so he’ll be doing most of the school runs. But on the days he can’t, I’ll be calling on friends for help who have dc at the same school. I’ll be in an enormous amount of pain and then starting cancer treatment, last thing I need is a 6 year old jumping on me all day, so they will get to school.

Are you actually able to take care of yourself and your children? If you are unable to get them to school, are you able to meet their other needs? If not you need to ask for help, family, friends, neighbours, the school or social services. Do not be ashamed or scared to ask because it's not your fault you are unwell

Mine is a similar situation. It is just me here though.

I wish you well 🧡

You can tell the school but they are very unlikely to offer any help

If they don't attend school you risk being fined.

You'll have to ask someone else to get them there, pay someone else to get them there or pay for a taxi that can go door to door

I'd find a way of getting them to school so I could recover in peace. Surely having them at home all day isn't ideal if you're poorly?

I'd definitely see if there's anyone willing to help. Friends/other parents etc if not get a taxi.

I had an issue this week which meant we were late but really struggled to get him there at all.

When I explained the reason to the school they said oh you can always give us a call. We have a mini bus that goes round and Collects children for parents that are struggling. My reason wasn't sickness more of a logistics issue, we got locked in the house. Your reason is much more valid for help so worth checking with the school how they could help you as a family.

If you're too unwell to take them to school, how are you looking after them in general?

I would ask on the class WhatsApp. Most parents are actually nice and helpful if you ask them.
Failing that I would order a taxi to take them in

I have taken other kids to school in this situation and I wasn't friends with the parents. Once when someone asked on the year WhatsApp and it was on my way so was not bothered to me. Once when the Head asked me if I would be able to help because she knew I lived near the parent in question. Do ask for help, there are people who will step up. And your school may also be to help, I know our Head has also gone to collect children in these situations.

Agree, is everyone safe?

Oh absolutely. Family
here at the moment 👍😊

It doesn't matter that you don't know the other parents on the WhatsApp. If you explain your situation (giving information, if you can, that makes it clear that this isn't just a bad cold/dodgy stomach) and that you don't have a partner to take over, I'm sure that someone will want to help.

Can one of your family members not take them?

If a mother on the school WhatsApp group asked for help getting dc to school for a couple of weeks so she could recover from a major operation for example, I can guarantee you there would be several offers of help before she'd have time to close the app. I would offer to pick up or drop off if it was reasonably local, no problem at all. I would just ask people.

I think that may have to be the case. Thank you for your replies 😊

Speak to school - you never know what they might be able to help sort.

When one of my class’s widowed parent had an operation and couldn’t drive, we had a mixture of staff who dropped them off and some very kind parents who lived in the same village. There was no one in the family they could ask as no one lived locally. Schools can be fab!

We would, and have, had staff doing the school run in situations like this. Life can be difficult for families and I love that my school will support the whole family wherever possible, be it food, clothing, transport or whatever else is needed.

Might as well ask. I've known places this would be a 100% no, ones where they might in exceptional circumstances and my current one, where we've given this sort of support and far more on the regular. Ask class WhatsApp too - when I was a SAHM I'd have done this happily.

If you have family who could step up it seems pointless to have asked the question in the first place 🤷‍♂️

the school and most people would expect you to have someone that can help. i’m a lone parent with no help my children’s school would not pick them up so just have to force myself in that situation.

It’s complicated- hence my question.

Thank you all for your replies . It is very much appreciated