Allow children to meet outside in small groups

Allowing children to meet in small groups - with social distancing - outside. I have an only child, age 7 and her mental health is hugely suffering from not having any friends to play with for seven weeks. Not all children find Zoom etc a good subsitute.

Also, this wouldn't necessarily work in a bubble - we have no family nearby and agreeing a bubble with friends is a minefield...small groups of 2 or 3 children meeting for an hour in a park with parental supervision - all distanced - should be safe and is hugely necessary.

Why the contribution is important

To maintain children's mental health.

by KathrynB on May 07, 2020 at 09:42PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 15 votes

Comments

  • Posted by FMac May 08, 2020 at 06:23

    Important for children to resume face to face socialising.
    I agree that there may not be relatives nearby or relatives with children in order to form extended bubble.
  • Posted by Josh May 08, 2020 at 07:04

    It’s so important for them to have interaction with other children; especially for only-children, and even those with siblings are affected. Our 6 and 4 year old boys normally get on well, but with them spending all their time together and seeing no-one else, their patience is fraying now. Lots more sniping and fighting than usual, and both are very sad not to be able to celebrate their birthdays with their friends.

    Of course all this is trivial stacked up against the risk of people dying, but to them, it is everything, their whole world, and the longer we keep them away from it, the worse they will be affected.
  • Posted by owenc00 May 08, 2020 at 07:38

    I agree. Small children might need to supervised, distances reinforced, etc. But really, is it THAT dangerous for three children to play together in a park? Are we REALLY endangering life by allowing this?
  • Posted by Girlymonkey May 08, 2020 at 07:39

    I get what you are saying, but can children realistically play in a socially distanced way?

    I think the bubble would work better. It doesn't have to be family, it could be close friends. That way the children can play normally
  • Posted by heather22 May 08, 2020 at 07:56

    yes I agree allow children to meet in small groups outside but I don't think the bubble idea would work though
  • Posted by weemcd May 08, 2020 at 08:14

    To provide the opportunity for children to practice social distancing while outside and with friends.
  • Posted by NCK May 08, 2020 at 09:25

    I am in complete agreement. I have a 2 year old and I am a full time teacher trying to work from him while husband continues to go into work. My toddler is suffering from the complete lack of interaction with other children. Every time we go past the the park he begs to go in. He has started calling us his “friends” and crying to go to nursery. The impact on his social development is not being considered. Further it’s impossible for me to work, providing an education for high school pupils, when I have to provide the stimulation and care my son deserves. He is at the point of crying for me to put phone/laptop away.
    This is not sustainable.
    Give children the opportunity to meet. Put sinks and soap in parks like they have on family farms so children can regularly wash hands. This can be pretty cheap to do and effective And make a huge difference to the development of young children and the mental wellbeing of children and parents alike.
  • Posted by heather22 May 09, 2020 at 14:55

    Totally agree, not fair to keep children apart when evidence already suggests they are low risk. Keep it outside and let them play
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