Mixed messages to grandchildren

I think the rules have become so complicated that lots of people are just bending them to suit.
My brother, who is 70, and in a tier 3 area tells me he 'sticks to the rules, unless he has something he needs to do' - this is an intelligent, affluent, chap.
Last weekend i t was his wedding anniversary, so he invited all his family around for a meal......

Tangerine

How can some of your family be compliant, but stretching the rules, yet wouldn’t break the law?

All the more reason for you to protect yourselves. The other side of the family is not being as careful as they need to be.

We must all do the best we can for ourselves and others. I know of some families that are carrying on as usual, but I cannot be responsible for their actions, and can only do what is best for me and my husband. We are not having visitors or dinner at Christmas although we would love to.

Same for us. There’s exactly 20 years between me and the other grandparents, 25 between them and Mr C. We send cards and silly little gifts, this week Mr C drew something to post. They know we love them, that’s enough. We have similar conversations about sleepovers georgia, the question keeps coming but there’s no upset when we go down the well worn conversational It is upsetting but the important thing is for all of you to stay well.

I am in the same situation - but I just explain to them that the virus is more serious the older you get and that the other GPs are 10 years younger.

Are they in bubbles with some of the others? It sounds as if they have different fathers and some family mixing is allowed for divided families. It sounds very sad for you, but I agree asking them to meet up outside may be an option.

You must stand by what you are saying. It’s difficult when others don’t follow the rules, and then having to explain this to young people, without sounding like you’re putting them down. However,this is about your lives and safety. My oldest granddaughter is eight, and understands that, so yours should. Whatever the health status of the other grandparents, and families, they are still breaking the law. Tell them you love them, and will see them as soon as it is safe to do so. Maybe, outside, up to six of you? Even if your grandchildren don’t accept/ like it now, in the future they’ll see you were right, and that the rest of the family took risks, with their health as well.
Take care and look after yourselves.

In a similar boat. Talking to someone this morning and she said that her parents have just given up and carrying on as normal. It's not a risk that I feel that I want to take, especially with the vaccine actually in some GPs surgeries.

Are you able to walk much? Sorry to be nosy but I wondered if you would be able to go for a walk with your grandchildren even if you are shielding? Is that a possibility?

It is awkward when one part of the family wants to do one thing and others have a different view with Covid.

Everyone in my family is compliant but some stretch the rules more than others! None of them would break the law.

Hope you see your grandchildren soon.

I sympathise, georgia101, as we have similar problems. My dd has told the dgc that it is because we are 'much older' than the other grandparents. Ouch!