How do I tell them/

Don't feel terrible. You did right Your son and daughter in law should not be putting her mother at risk. But its absolutely nothing to do with you.

They will already be making plans I’m sure.
You are all adults and it is a conversation.
Ask them in an inquisitive way rather than telling them “I’m aware we are much more vulnerable than most to this virus, we obviously need to have a plan to protect all of us”
I’ve just had that conversation myself.
Good luck ?

Already told them and met with not a very nice response.

Sorry to hear that Grandmaclampet. The outbreak is now officially a pandemic. The Brits will be moving to the 'delay' phase soon, says the News. Was told yesterday that the thing about high blood pressure being an issue is because ACE inhibitors, by the way they work on the body, provide an easy route for the virus to take hold on the individual. Check it out for yourselves GNs. Best wishes to all, wherever you are.

What an utter nightmare all of this is. Who would have thought a few weeks ago that all this would kick off? Its like some science fiction film but unfortunately its all too real. Look after yourselves. X

My son is a Dr who is an intensive care specialist. He has just stopped me looking after his little one or indeed seeing him or his family because the risks for us are too great. Family have a responsibility to each other. Keep yourself well for a few weeks now will give you perhaps years if babysitting in the future. Tell your son you cannot look after the children until the virus scare is over xx

You shouldn’t feel bad at all, you’ve done exactly the right thing, and behaved responsibly. If we go into lockdown, no one will be going anywhere, so you may not have been needed anyway. Don’t feel bad, look after yourselves.

get them to wash their hands before food and after .and esp after toilet time.plenty of tissues around the home for sneezes and runny noses.this virus doesnt seem to affect children. so maybe you should follow the same rules.my grandchildren have always had to wash/wipe hands and faces.so now is the time to teach them.

Very,very frightening,especially now ,senior doctors in Italy have said priority of care to go to younger people, who may survive.
My son 38,recognised a man he went to school with.The man has been teaching in China and came home two days ago.

".this virus doesnt seem to affect children" it does affect children, it just doesn't make (most of them) them ill. They are still carriers.

True stillnotginger ... that will protect them against future illness.
But as I'm sure you meant, as they are carriers, the rest of us are at risk from the virus they have the capacity to spread!

Gramdmaclampit ... you say the 'talk' about childcare didn't go down too well.
Where does that leave you? If you dont mind me asking g.
Also did anything in the budget help your son and dil find a solution?

I’m so sorry they didn’t take it well OP.

As far as the other grandmother taking them, that’s a choice she has to make herself.

GrandmaClampet please don't feel bad, they will understand eventually. The amount of information and it's transparency is shocking from our government and media, it's either all panic or nothing.

My parents keep wanting to come and see us, or look after the kids, particularly on mother's day, but my Dad has so many risk factors and the kids are most likely to pass it on without anyone knowing that I am encouraging them to stay away. Mother's Day is an arbitrary date, I can work extra hours from home so I can cover childcare. I would far rather this and both of them be around for next mother's and father's day

Just be forthright and refuse. I'm in the same boat. Take responsibility for your own health even if they don't like it.

Each individual who is able, taking care of their own health is probably a tiny step in the right direction to controlling the spread.

They will understand in time Grandmaclampet. Things are moving on rapidly and it will soon become clear to them how serious this is for older folk. I had a chat with my daughter yesterday and we both agreed that they (the parents and children) will all get it for sure, but that I need to keep my distance from them.

If I were the other grandparent in the case of Grandmaclampet I would be absolutely furious! Firstly because my child could be so selfish as to expect the other grandparents to continue to care for their children while putting themselves at serious risk, but even more so that they are now prepared to put me at risk too!! How selfish can our younger generation get?

They rely on us so its a problem.

If they don't understand then they are remarkably selfish, you shouldn't have to compromise your health in this way.

I blame farview I didn't realise when they wrote the following comment one serious post one funny hmmmmm what they were referring to. That started all the confusion. ( sorry farview!)
Thanks Grannyclampit for clearing it up.

I have to say I was looking through every post with a fine tooth combed searching for some light relief!!

Good summing up MissAdventure
Hope that's getting through to people.

M0nica makes a very good point.
This question also exposes just how unhelpful our Government has been in giving advice, particularly to us in our age-group. I really do think Boris would be glad to see a cohort of Grans and Grandads die off and save the treasury some cash.
Grandmaclampet I think it would be advisable to stop going near the little ones until it is safe to do so, given your underlying health concerns.

Grandmaclampet. Meant to add, I'm sorry your daughter does not see things properly. A lot of people do not understand the details of this virus. I am already avoiding mixing with people unless I really have to. I too have underlying health issues. It might be that in time your daughter will understand that you are doing the right thing.
Please do not feel upset. Good luck, lots of love, Elle x

I am sorry they didn't take it well.

Perhaps it was the shock and worry of having to find someone else to look after the children.

Maybe they will think more sensibly once they've thought properly.

Look after yourselves first.

grandmaclampet I’m sorry your talk didn’t go as well as it could have. Hopefully, your family just need a bit of time to process things and will come to understand that you are simply following the current best guidance.