Injury is, unfortunately, a fact of life – particularly when it comes to children. The most common injuries to befall little ones tend to be bumped heads, cuts and grazes, and broken bones. While bumps, bruises, and bleeding knees are all fairly straightforward to care for, would you know what to do if your child had received a serious knock to the head, or broken a bone?
Photo credit: JON_CF on Flickr
First things first: attempt to ascertain the damage. Typical symptoms of a head injury include a headache, nausea, blurred vision, and dizziness, and the appearance of any one of these should result in a trip to the hospital. While it may be nothing, it is always best to get your child checked out for concussion. The same can be said for a broken arm or leg, and a child should always be taken to the emergency room if you suspect they may have suffered a fracture or break. Once at the hospital, a medical team can provide a diagnosis, and advise you of your child’s aftercare.
Recovery and you
Recovery can be a long and complicated road, particularly if you’re facing the reality of keeping a normally hyperactive child calm and still, or encouraging an underactive little one to gently exercise, and strengthen, their limbs. The good news though, is that you’re likely to be backed by some amazing support. Be sure to listen to the advice given when you leave the hospital, particularly if you’re going to be attending follow-up physiotherapy appointments.
In terms of supporting your child through their recovery, there are several things you can be doing at home. For starters, make sure your little one is getting healthy snacks. If they’re not mobile enough to burn off calories, keep their snacks simple, tasty, and healthy, such as fruit, vegetable sticks, or nutritious smoothies. Gentle exercise is also necessary, as long as it hasn’t been discouraged by a physiotherapist or doctor.
When kisses and cuddles aren’t enough
As with everything in life, some injuries can be worse than others. Back injuries, for example, will usually necessitate a longer stay in hospital, an extended period of time being cared for by a consultant, and a far more lengthy recovery process. When it comes to helping your child in their recovery, it is absolutely vital to listen to your doctor and the person who provides their care thereafter, whether it is a physiotherapist or chiropractor. Any deviation from their advice could aggravate your child’s injury further, or delay their recovery. Gentle exercise, such as swimming, or regular appointments will probably be advised, so make sure you listen carefully.
While we may not be able to prevent illness and injury, there are several things that we can do to look after our little ones should the worst happen. Your child will need you more than ever as they recover from an injury, so be prepared with lots of love and cuddles.
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