Kids seem indestructible at first. They run, they fall, they laugh and then they get right back up. However, if they are constantly playing too hard or climbing things that are too high and have a tendency to slip and fall, you will probably have a broken arm or leg somewhere along the way as your child learns about the world. Keep reading for some tips on helping your child recover from a broken limb.
The World Is Not Ending
Time seems to stop when we get a severe injury, and it is the same for children, especially if this is their first time breaking a bone. As a parent, you might be frantic, which is understandable. That is your baby, and your baby has gotten hurt. However, if your child sees you panicking, they might get even more scared and might not want anyone to touch the break. Try to remain as calm as possible and soothe them as you know how, then take them to the hospital to get assessed. Let them know that it is okay and that they will get fixed up in no time. Also make sure they know that you are there for them and that you will be there every step of the way.
They May Need Physical Therapy
After the fun involved with getting a cast and making sure that they do not accidentally break their limb again, it is time to look at what happens after the cast comes off. Sometimes, depending on whether the break was severe enough to require surgery or any amount of other factors, it may be determined that your child has to go to physical therapy to recover as much as they can from the break and the restricted movement that might come as a result. Pediatric rehabilitation is varied and sometimes, if you are unable to perform therapy at home between sessions, your child might have to go to a facility for rehab until they are finished with their treatment.
If your child does end up having to go to rehab, let them know that they are going to a place where they can be made better, and while it will be hard, you will come to visit them and they may make some friends. Make sure you pack some comfort items for a smoother transition to the facility, as they may not respond well at first to the change in environment. Also make sure they have your phone number where they will not lose it in case they want to call you. Talk to the doctors and get a thorough understanding of your child’s treatment schedule and the visiting hours, then sit down with your child and walk them through it. If they know what is coming, there is a chance that they will be less scared going in, especially with you being either a phone call or visit away for support.
It Is Okay to Try Again
After your child has recovered, they may want to do the same activity that they got hurt doing, but they may also be reluctant to try it again, as they do not want to get hurt again. If it is something truly dangerous and something that children should not be doing, then it is best to advise against doing it. However, if it was just an accident during normal play, especially if it was during something that they love doing with all their heart, it is perfectly normal to let them resume the activity.
If they are wary, let them know that they just have to be careful and that accidents do happen, but trying again is important. In trying again, we grow and learn from our mistakes, and that is a good thing to teach early on. This way, you may have to worry less about your children getting hurt doing the same things again. Also, they learn from what happened and they are careful, but not too afraid to do what they love.
Breaking a limb can be scary, for both children and parents. Keep these tips in mind in case your child breaks a limb so the fear and recovery are made easier to conquer.