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Property/DIY

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Original poster

What do children do on moving day wrt covid?

21 replies

MrsJamin · 02/02/2021 19:37

We're anticipating completion on buying and selling houses at the beginning of March, on a school day with remote learning. If it wasn't for coronavirus they'd be at school and just go to the new home afterwards, or if it was a school holiday, they'd go to a friend's house or a cafe to be out of the way of the movers, cleaning and during that annoying wait to hear confirmation of completion. What's allowed at the moment? It seems like they could go to a friend's house and we could call it a childcare bubble as they are both under 14 but would they have to go to the same household? What are other people doing?

OP posts:

LunaHeather · 02/02/2021 19:38

Can't they just help you for the day? Or will school kick off?

halcyondays · 02/02/2021 19:44

Can’t they just stay with you?

Original poster

MrsJamin · 02/02/2021 19:47

They'll get in the way especially when the movers are in and out. When we are waiting to get keys there will be literally nothing to do or to sit on. I haven't yet asked their schools whether they can be pardoned from schoolwork for the day, I cannot see how they can insist on it. Ideally they would go to two separate households to do their schoolwork and wait there.

OP posts:

CeeceeBloomingdale · 02/02/2021 19:47

I'd just tell school you have no wifi for a few days starting on the day of the move. Although it is possible some year groups could be back in March I suppose

Lemoncurd · 02/02/2021 19:47

After the first lockdown, we cleared our daughters room first then she sat on the floor with the door shut doing online school while everything else was moved out. We didn't have to vacate the house though so she was able to stay and then just cycle over once her lessons finished.

borageforager · 02/02/2021 19:48

How old are they?

LividLoving · 02/02/2021 19:49

Mine will be in nursery for the day, even though he doesn’t start properly until the week after.

With primary age kids I’d just be telling school you’re moving house and get their iPads or whatever loaded up. Find them the first empty room in old house to camp in, have snacks for the waiting around in car bit and get them somewhere not underfoot for the move in part.

That’s assuming they’re old enough to not be a danger to themselves.

TheSockMonster · 02/02/2021 19:51

This happened to a friend, she happened to mention it to the SENCO during a catch up and they let her younger child go in for the day in the interests of their wellbeing.

They didn’t offer the older child (without SN) a place, but then she wasn’t worried about them.

TheSockMonster · 02/02/2021 19:52

Just realised that isn’t very useful if neither of your DC have SN. Sorry!

GherkinsOnToast · 02/02/2021 19:55

We moved just after things loosened up last year. We took pillows/duvets, iPads etc. and set them up a 'snug' in one bedroom. We asked the movers to move their bedrooms first so once things came off the lorry they had their beds pretty sharpish and we made their beds for them to sit on. I also took them for walk from the new house and DH picked up a treat MaccyD's for lunch.

We wrote to school and they were excused the rest of the week's lessons whilst we got broadband etc. set up.

AlwaysLatte · 02/02/2021 19:57

You say both under 14 so I'm assuming one is 13? My 13 year old is bigger and stronger than me and would enjoy being treated as one of the grown ups and mucking in. Take the day off school anyway. If too young to help then get a little 'nest' together - iPads with films downloaded, snacks, beanbags, blankets and drinks. Have one blitzed and deep cleaned room kept clear for them to nest in in the old house, quick clean up of that room while they wait in the car then do the same in reverse in the new house. Obviously if they're too young to leave unattended one of you will have to take it in turns to stay with them.

Original poster

MrsJamin · 02/02/2021 19:57

They're 10 and 13. We could jist really do without them under the movers feet, what with covid we might we waiting for hours to be in the new house too.

OP posts:

AlwaysLatte · 02/02/2021 20:00

They're the same ages as mine then. I'd definitely make one room totally empty at current house so they're not under movers feet and ask the movers to keep one designated room clear at the new house for them. And as I said before get them involved but at least they'll have a refuge!

GrumpyHoonMain · 02/02/2021 20:02

You should just encourage them to help and if they can’t shove them in the car with an ipad.

Original poster

MrsJamin · 02/02/2021 20:10

OK thanks all. It sounds like there are no other options then really.

OP posts:

LunaHeather · 02/02/2021 20:21

@MrsJamin

The floor will be there!

I remember being 9 and sitting on the floor for ages....

Then sitting on a doorstep for ages.....

They're old enough to help a bit. I was in charge of the bag with the kettle etc in. My 13 year old sister bustled around importantly with maps etc.

borageforager · 02/02/2021 21:53

I remember moving house LunaHeather, we were allowed to choose whether we wanted to go to school or stay for the move. I was 12, me & my 7 year old brother stayed home but our 10 year old brother went to school instead!

Nononononoyes · 02/02/2021 21:58

We moved in Jan, I asked the schools and they let them go in for the day. One school offered a day either side too as we wouldn’t have Wi-Fi set up etc.

justabigdisco · 03/02/2021 12:21

Following. I may be moving in half term - mine are primary age. We are keyworkers so they go to school on the days we’re both in work but obviously not in half term! Not ideal but I was thinking of iPad/switch and sitting on floor/in car!

IndecentFeminist · 03/02/2021 12:24

I wouldn't worry about school work, but would just keep them with us. Either one parent take them out and the other crack on, or they can just sit on the floor with a book or tablet or whatever.

We moved at the weekend (only for 6 wks) and it was a pain in the arse with 3 kids, but they just had to get on with it.

IndecentFeminist · 03/02/2021 12:25

Just seen their ages, at 10 and 13 they should really be able to stay out of the way and read, or help!

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