When a child is injured, they rely entirely on their family to help them go through the recovery process, both physically and emotionally. While it’s essential to seek medical care for their physical injuries, it’s equally important to help them through psychological stress. Child injuries are stressful not only to the parent but also to the child, and tension could make the injury effects worse.
Child’s Injury
Whether your child sustained a broken bone from a car accident or a dog bite, the effects of the injury go beyond the physical pain. You may notice your child is jumpy, irritable, worried, or even scared after an accident happens. No matter how minor the injury was, a frightening accident could lead to your child experiencing traumatic stress. It’s essential to observe them for any traumatic stress symptoms in the weeks following the accident.
Tips to Help a Child Recover After an Injury
Child injuries are scary and stressful for parents. After the injury, the parent is often left wondering what they could have done to protect their child. If you are in such a situation, remember that not all accidents are preventable. Follow the bellow tips to help your child through the recovery process:
1. Understand that they are worried and scared
When an accident occurs, your child’s brain may connect the objects, people, or animals involved with danger. They may be scared of getting into a car after a car crash happens. This is because they associate the car with the pain of the injuries sustained. Understand that it’s natural for them to want to stay away from anything that reminds them of that traumatic experience. By understanding your child is scared and worried, you can help them face their fears while you hold their hand for support.
2. Be a haven for your child
After the injury, your child may constantly be worried that the accident might occur again. Ensure you always reassure them that nothing bad will happen. Embracing your child when they are scared will instill a sense of security and affection. Tell them that it’s okay to feel scared, worried, confused, and upset about the injury. Be open to talking to them about their experience and how it makes them feel.
3. Get back to your regular routines
To stimulate healing and recovery, ensure your child is eating healthy meals, and getting enough sleep. You can also help them with their schoolwork. Understand that your child is vulnerable and may need to spend a little more time with you. You can read to them, watch a movie together and play some board games. It would be best to let family and friends visit or video call your child for extra support.
4. Deal with your own negative feelings
It’s normal for a parent to experience fear, guilt, and worry after a child’s injury. Always remember to take some time to yourself. It will be difficult to help your child recover if you are still experiencing negative emotions. Open up about how you feel and tell your spouse or a close friend. Talking is the best remedy to deal with stressful events.
What to Do After Your Child Is Injured
The law dictates that children under the age of 18 can’t file a lawsuit. However, the child’s legal guardian or the parents have the power to do it on behalf of the child. If another party’s negligent actions caused your child’s injury, you could file a personal injury claim.
Because of the strict statutes of limitations surrounding personal injury claims, it’s essential to immediately contact an injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can handle many crucial issues regarding your claim, while you focus on recovery.
