Can I help and yet follow the guidelines, and is it even wise.

Spot on, Riverwalk!

I think they're being selfish in even asking you, particularly after the new rules. They are rules which will be backed by the law, not guidelines by the way.

Helping a single parent or in an emergency is one thing, but for them to expect to book you in for the duration is a bloody cheek.

Petalou44, I lost my husband when the kids were young. I managed all by myself, with four kids and work - for years.

In the present crisis situation, I would ban my mother from visiting for her own safety. I'm sure that your daughter can manage for three months.

It will be good for the children to learn to care for each other, become more responsible and independent. Listen to your friends and siblings - they are quite right.

Liz The parents have to find a solution, not you. If you go you will have to leave your husband for weeks and weeks. SIL will have to step up and wont if you let him off those responsibilities

Catmac you are compromising yourself and others. You should stop immediately. I understand how difficult it is but the parents have to sort their problem out, not you

My daughter has 3 children aged 3, 6 and 9. Her husband left them all very soon after the youngest was born. She works hard to provide a home for them all. She's working from home during lockdown. I'm 66 and have always helped to look after the children. Now I'm being pressured by my friends and siblings to stop contact. How can I? She has no-one else to help.

Lockdown means lockdown - no excuses. It's a life and death situation.

If you move in with your DD and family you'd become part of their household which would be OK. However, you'd need to stay there for 12 weeks or however long this will go on. You'd have to leave DH on his own. How would you feel about that?

Catmac, please, you need to stop looking after her and stay at home. Her parents will have to work from home and look after her too. It can be done. Please stay safe!

I look after my grand daughter one day a week and it will increase as both parents are now working at home.
I usually walk (30 mins) to collect her. I have just been picking her up from the door, taking her home and then delivering her back without entering their house.
The new advice states no contact and stay home.
Am I compromising everyone by still looking after her?
I'm in my mid 60s and have an urgent referral with the hospital in 2 weeks and need to keep virus free.

If we progress to total lockdown (with army roadblocks) as in other countries, you may be unable to return home. By leaving home, you expose yourself - and your entire family, to the virus. It can be a killer. The responsible thing to do is to stay at home.

I see your dilemma and I would want to take care of my GS. I wonder if there is a way of applying for exemption? Ask your MP?

I would have thought that your grandson should be cared for by his father. He really should step up but never will if you step in.

Hospitals have very strict no-visiting policies at present. Your SIL really doesn't need to be there. We are in a time of crisis.

You'll probably get away with it but it just doesn't seem right to leave your husband alone right now.

Hetty58 I don't want to break the rules, nor risk a fine.
Do they need me? Well I'm sure they'd appreciate DGS being cared for while his parents are at the hospital, we are already aware that there will be no one with her apart from the father.
Once she is home that becomes a different matter but either way rules will be broken.

You need advice on this. Is it really worth breaking the rules (they are not merely guidelines) and risking a fine?

Does it come under 'caring for a vulnerable person'? I doubt it. Do they really need you? If so, why?

I hope you aren't asking for approval. The rules apply to everyone, convenient or not.

Hello Liz, I have sent you a message.