Grandparents have sometimes decided to take their grandchildren on vacation despite the Covid-19.

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  • With the Covid-19 epidemic having started afresh, some families find themselves in front of a complicated dillemne: should we send the grandchildren to the grandparents or not?

  • Some of our readers told us why they chose to receive their offspring at home during All Saints' Day, and the measures they took to limit the risks.

How to take care of your loved ones without endangering them, at a time when there are up to 50,000 new coronavirus infections in France in 24 hours?

While the children are still on school holidays until November 2, some grandparents found themselves faced with a rare dilemma for All Saints' Day: whether to take the kids home or avoid seeing them to limit the risk of falling ill ?

The benefit / risk balance is not the same for everyone.

Gérard, 88, pragmatic, explains the reasoning that led him and his wife to take their grandchildren on vacation.

“First attitude: not to fall into the hysterical anguish of the moment conveyed by the public authorities and the media.

Second attitude: examine the real state of health of each one and deduce from it if objective risks exist.

Having noted our common good general condition, we therefore did as usual, except for the hugs, and let our unmasked smiles and our affectivity run free.

"Some also point out that they responded to calls from exhausted parents ..." They needed a break, the children too, and we are happy to have them at home ", underlines Marie-Christine, 71 years old. , who looked after her 8 and 3 year old grandchildren during the holidays.

"It's too important not to sink into a serious depression"

Internet users who responded to our call for testimonials often evoke the precious pleasure felt to combat the current gloom.

"I agreed to take my grandchildren on vacation because it's the only way to see them and they give me a boost of energy and breath", insists Evelyne, 66 years old.

“I suffered more from not seeing my grandchildren than from the Covid… which I had, regrets Marie, 62 years old.

I won't abandon them anymore, it's too important not to sink into a serious depression.

"

Others believe that this choice is theirs alone.

"I've had enough of this stigmatization of old people!" Jacqueline, 66, annoys.

With the current life expectancy, without other pathologies, we are not old, nor more at risk than others.

Some of us are more athletic than many sedentary and overweight young people.

But above all, it's my life, it's my choice and I don't allow anyone to decide for me!

“Same story on the side of Mireille, 67, who has looked after three, even four children.

"It's my breath of fresh air, otherwise I would be sick, but not from Covid-19!"

My life expectancy would be diminished by the sadness and the idea that I would no longer be useful.

Although in complete remission from an illness for five years, I am in great shape.

With my little ones, I function exactly as before: kisses, hugs, no mask at home, just more hand washing.

My remaining years of life, I intend to spend them as I see fit and if I have to catch the Covid, it is my destiny!

"

What barrier gestures should be observed?

Others have agreed to play nannies while making some compromises.

But adopting 24/7 barrier gestures is not necessarily easy, especially with very young children.

“As the virus circulates more, it would be necessary that the fragile people who take care of children redouble their attention, suggests Fabienne Kochert, pediatrician in Orléans.

That is to say, distance during meals, wearing masks for adults and teenagers, no kiss… ”Simple on paper, less in practice.

“I had lots of good intentions, but for five days, only hand washing and freezing were part of our routine,” says Roselyne, 66, who has looked after her two grandchildren.

At the age of 4, nothing is possible, everything is stirred and touched, put in the mouth ... At 7, it's easier.

My granddaughter wore the mask on public transport and on the train.

"

"I don't kiss or hug them, I keep my distance as much as possible but I don't wear a mask inside, I often ventilate our living space, I go out with them to do activities with them. wearing a mask for all of us, also list Evelyne.

The happiness of seeing them comes before fear.

"

And for some, it is rather their grandchildren who made the police.

“We have not forgotten the masks on the outside, nor the gel, explains Annie, 77, who looked after her granddaughters of 9 and 11 for a week.

I am of course thinking of this virus, but it is the eldest, very scrupulous, strict in all barrier gestures, who was afraid of infecting me.

"For Marilyne, 64, there is no doubt:" it is possible to look after your grandchildren, being careful and for a short period.

And I have noticed that children are responsible for this virus.

From kindergarten, they are conditioned to hygiene.

"

And this family break to fill up on tenderness is welcome for many.

Especially since the winter promises to be long and lonely for some.

"They make us laugh a lot, which allows us to garner positive waves in view of this year which is so difficult for all", laughs Solange.

Before a festive reunion for the end of year celebrations?

Françoise, 63, would not put a stop to it: "We know that Christmas is compromised and we do not plan so far, so it was important to see each other and spend a few days together".

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