I ask after new government coronavirus restrictions in England ban groups of more than six people from two households meeting indoors or outdoors – including kids.
Yet in Scotland and Wales under 12s are exempt from the restrictions, which begs the question: should children be included in the rule of six?
As a family of six with four children living in England we can no longer meet with family and friends as a whole family because we’re already six. But if we lived in Scotland or Wales we would be considered just two.
The legislation means we cannot meet up with both grandparents at the same time (but we could meet with one and then swap with the other, which seems ridiculous when they’re from the same household) and we can’t meet up with friends as a whole family either.
Should children be included in the rule of six?
I understand the rule is there for a reason – evidence is apparently showing coronavirus transmission is a problem in homes and social gatherings. I also understand there are often rules we don’t agree with and don’t understand, but we follow them because if we didn’t then where would we all be. That’s life.
But what I don’t understand is how my four-month-old baby can possibly be classed as one of the six. She can’t go anywhere on her own, interact with anyone on her own or do anything independently. She’s essentially an extension of me.
I also don’t understand how the kids can go to school and nursery and swimming and gymnastics and Brownies as usual but we can’t see both grandparents from the same household at the same time. It’s absurd.
And don’t even get me started on the fact that hunting and grouse shooting are also exempt from the rule of six – that just sums up everything that’s wrong with this country, but that’s another blog post.
It also sticks in my throat to see people blatantly flouting the restrictions and meeting up in groups of more than six on the beach and in parks where we live when my children can’t even see Granny and Grandpa at the same time.
The new rule of six is one I don’t pretend to agree with or understand, but we will be sticking to it because if we don’t the chances are we’ll all go round in circles all winter and into 2021 until the virus is either brought under control or a cure is found. I just hope the great British public has the sense to do the same.
What do you think? Should children be included in the rule of six? I’d love to hear your point of view!
Oh, the complications!
I understand your frustration. Currently, I am substituting in an elementary music classroom and we cannot sing because of the COVID-19 rules.
I want us all to be safe, so trusting for patience…
It seems so unfair children are included in the six especially babies. I don’t understand it either x
We had the same problem here in the United States when dining establishments opened and we were only allowed 4 people per table.. unless we left one son at home there was no way for us to eat together as a family but yet couples could meet up together and go to dinner? It just didn’t make sense…. like so many of these other rules and regulations with their exceptions and overlapping/confusing language. We try to follow them to the best of our understanding but I definitely do not agree with many of them (or maybe I would if I understood the why or thought process behind them).
Itβs so confusing isnβt it… and hard on larger families. Like you, we stick to the rules and itβs so disheartening and blooming annoying when you see big groups of people sitting around drinking – obviously breaking the rules! It doesnβt seem right at all. Thank you for joining us for the #dreamteamlinky xx
Totally agree with everything you’ve said!! It’s so confusing and a lot of it doesn’t seem to make much sense. Like you said, we will be following the rules anyway as we have done so far. Just wish everybody would! #dreamteamlinky
Popping in from #KCACOLS too π
It seems so unfair that my kids can spend the day with 30 other kids but can’t see my mum and dad. We popped over today and my hubby had to pace up and down outside! But we could have met up in a pub… I think it should have been 6 adults with children exempt. Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
We were also a family of6, I am glad we didn’t have a pandemic when my kids were living at home its very confusing #kcacols@_karendennis
We were also a family of6, I am glad we didn’t have a pandemic when my kids were living at home its very confusing #kcacols@_karendennis
We were also a family of6, I am glad we didn’t have a pandemic when my kids were living at home its very confusing #kcacols@_karendennis
We were also a family of6, I am glad we didn’t have a pandemic when my kids were living at home its very confusing #kcacols@_karendennis
We were also a family of6, I am glad we didn’t have a pandemic when my kids were living at home its very confusing #kcacols@_karendennis
I think that the rules should count households, not individuals. If we’ve got 3 people and you have four, its just as risky to meet as if you have 4 and I have 6. Gotta assume everybody in the same family either has it or doesn’t #kcaols
I think the difference is that most people abide by the rule of 6, and those who aren’t will be the reason we go into local lockdowns, or this whole thing continues to get worse and worse. In my opinion, if kids can go to school and brownies, etc, then they should be included in the rule of 6 in my opinion. If they were homeschooled and not mixing with society in general, then that would be a different story. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
I totally agree with all your points. When i heard about the rule of six I automatically presumed children under 12 wouldn’t count xx
Sorry #kcacols
It’s so complicated! Hope you all stay safe and healthy. We shall get through this #kcacols
I agree with all you’ve said. I don’t think under 12s should be included in the rule of six. It makes life very difficult for a lot of people. I appreciate that the virus threat is very real and we should do all we can to prevent the spread but if it’s okay for 6 adults from 6 different households to meet how is it not okay for children and grandparents from just 2 households to meet??? Also the grouse shooting situation makes my blood boil!
Katrina x
#KCACOLS
I agree I really think it should just be two households. It’s such a pain keeping to six, I have two kids who both need 1-1 support when we are out but if we want to go out with my nieces we can’t have an additional adult – so frustrating. #KCACOLS