My son, Jake, was the first in our family to experience a broken bone. Given his adventurous nature, it was only a matter of time before something like this occurred. The incident happened during a soccer game, and while we weren’t there to see it, he later recounted how he landed awkwardly after attempting to make a goal. Honestly, I was relieved to have missed it; the thought of such a moment could have made me faint.
Just hours later, we found ourselves at the local children’s hospital, Jake sporting a splint and sling. Unlike many kids, I never broke a bone growing up, but it seems like this is a common rite of passage for children. They have a knack for keeping us on edge and causing mini panic attacks, making us even more protective. So, if you have kids, brace yourself—it’s likely that at least one of them will go through this experience, perhaps even multiple times if luck isn’t on your side.
What we didn’t anticipate was the ripple effect it would have on Jake’s daily life. At 9 years old, he was quite independent, and I had grown accustomed to his self-sufficiency. Fortunately, it was his non-dominant arm that was injured, so I avoided the added joy of bathroom duty.
However, life as we knew it came to a halt. Soccer practices? Off the table. Playdates? Canceled. Luckily, schoolwork continued, but we had to rethink basic tasks. I ended up helping him with showering again, which was a whole new adventure for both of us. He wasn’t too fond of my “enthusiastic” hair-washing technique either, which is a common issue at that age.
We learned that Jake would only need to wear the cast for three weeks. As irritating as parenting can be, I discovered that most challenges are manageable for three weeks—except perhaps for a lice outbreak or norovirus!
For us, the experience was a minor inconvenience since the timeline was shorter than anticipated. Yet for many families, breaks can be more severe, impacting the dominant arm or leg and making life significantly more difficult. Kids tend to get bored and whine more, homework still looms, and life doesn’t pause for a broken bone. It’s reminiscent of the chaos of toddlerhood, with a bigger child needing assistance all over again.
Expect Boredom
Sadly for Jake, we had just bought a trampoline that Christmas, which was now off-limits. Kids are pros at whining about boredom, and this situation only amplifies that. Don’t stress too much about the “I’m bored” chorus—it’s part of their nature. Stock up on movies, books, and even a new coloring book or video games to help pass the time. A trip to the library can help you gather some engaging activities and reinforce the idea that reading can be more stimulating than another round of video games.
Caring for the Cast Is Easier Than You Think
I was dreading the cast care, expecting chaos, but it turned out to be quite manageable. Advances in medical technology mean that many casts are now waterproof. While Jake showered at night, we kept his cast dry, as who has three hours to let it dry? We simply used a grocery bag to wrap the cast during baths, and he quickly learned to maneuver his way through personal hygiene independently.
However, kids might experience itching inside the cast and feel tempted to use something sharp to scratch it. Make sure to hide anything pointy in the house; you don’t want a kebab skewer turning into a weapon against a broken limb. Teach your child some deep breathing techniques to help them cope with the itch.
Sleep Will Be a Challenge
Initially, sleep might be uncomfortable for your child. Expect to hear about it at 2 a.m., reminding you of those sleepless nights when they were infants! Pull out that old body pillow for their comfort; they will find a way to adjust eventually.
When the Cast Comes Off
The day you’ve both been waiting for finally arrives, but don’t get too excited just yet. After weeks of immobility, Jake’s arm will be sore and stiff, and immediate relief might not come. It took him several days to regain full movement in his arm. To my surprise, he almost fainted when they removed the cast—a common reaction, as the doctor explained. The sight of that cast lying next to him was like seeing a part of himself. Thankfully, he managed to avoid passing out, thanks to a nurse and some apple juice.
Overall, our experience was relatively minor, and having a cast wasn’t as daunting as I had envisioned. Silver linings emerged: Jake received a lot of attention from friends, and he enjoyed having classmates carry his things at school. I now have the leverage of those three weeks where I had to do everything for him, which I’m sure I can use to my advantage later!
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In summary, while a broken bone can disrupt daily life, it often leads to unexpected bonding moments and valuable lessons. Embrace the chaos; you’ll both come out stronger on the other side.
Keyphrase: What to Expect When Your Child Breaks a Bone
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