As a parent, the moment your child breaks a bone can feel like a rite of passage. My son, Lucas, was the first in our family to experience this, and honestly, I wasn’t shocked. He’s always been a little adventurer, so it was only a matter of time before something wild occurred.
During a class at the trampoline park, Lucas attempted a flip and landed awkwardly, hyperextending his arms in the process. Thankfully, I wasn’t present to witness the incident; I might have fainted from the shock. A few hours later, he found himself in a splint and sling, awaiting an appointment at our local children’s hospital.
While I never broke a bone as a kid, it seems like it’s a common milestone for many children, keeping us parents on our toes and inducing those little panic moments that make us overly protective. So, it’s highly likely that your child will experience a fracture too—maybe even more than once if you’re unfortunate.
What we didn’t foresee was how this would change day-to-day life. Lucas is an independent 10-year-old, and I had grown accustomed to his self-sufficiency. Thankfully, it wasn’t his dominant hand, or I’d have been back on bathroom duty! But his normal life came to a halt, as did mine. Piano lessons? Canceled. Gymnastics? Out the window. Although he could still manage schoolwork, we had to rethink basic activities like showering, which meant I was back to helping him bathe. Not the most fun for either of us, especially since he has sensitive hair that doesn’t appreciate my vigorous washing technique.
The good news was that his cast would be on for only three weeks. In the grand scheme of parenting challenges, three weeks is manageable—unless you’re dealing with a lice outbreak. For many families, however, fractures can be more severe, affecting dominant limbs and leading to greater challenges. Kids get bored quickly, homework still needs to be done, and life continues on. Having a child with a broken bone can feel like revisiting the toddler stage, only now you have a big kid who may need assistance with tasks they used to handle independently.
Expect Boredom
Lucas had just received a trampoline as a Christmas gift, but it was now off-limits. Kids will inevitably complain about being bored, which they tend to do anyway. Keeping them entertained is challenging even under normal circumstances, so don’t stress when you hear “I’m bored.” Stock up on movies, books, and games for your tablet, and consider a trip to the public library to gather activities while stuck at home. Remind them that reading can be more enjoyable than endless hours of gaming.
Caring for the Cast
I anticipated a nightmare when it came to managing the cast, but it turned out to be easier than expected. Thankfully, modern medicine has made strides, allowing for waterproof casts. We kept Lucas’s cast dry during showers, but you can get creative with a grocery bag if needed. He was able to take baths without too much hassle, and soon enough, he learned to manage on his own. Just be cautious about the temptation to scratch those pesky itches—hiding sharp objects is a must!
Sleep Challenges
Expect sleep disturbances, especially in the early days. Your child will likely voice their discomfort at all hours, reminding you of those sleepless nights when they were infants. But don’t fret; they’ll adapt eventually.
The Big Reveal
When the day finally arrives to remove the cast, it may not be the instant relief you anticipate. After weeks of immobility, the limb will feel sore and stiff, and it might take time for your child to regain full functionality. Lucas nearly fainted during the cast removal, which surprised me. Apparently, it’s a common reaction, as the limb has spent weeks wrapped up, feeling a bit alien once freed. Thankfully, the nurse had apple juice ready to help him recover quickly.
Overall, our experience was relatively minor, and having a cast wasn’t as daunting as I had feared. There were silver linings—Lucas received plenty of attention from friends, and he enjoyed having classmates assist him at school. Plus, I now have three weeks of extra leverage over him, which is a win in my book.
In summary, while a broken bone can disrupt your child’s routine and require extra care, it’s often a temporary inconvenience. With the right approach, you’ll both emerge from the experience with stories to tell and lessons learned. For more on parenting challenges and coping strategies, check out this article as they offer valuable insights. And for those navigating pregnancy and family planning, this resource serves as an excellent source of information.