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If you’re a parent, you’ll know just how naturally inquisitive children are. Whether it’s exploring new places to showing off to their friends, children can get up to all sorts, but sometimes their mischief can lead them to have an injury. As much of a careful parent you are, it can often be difficult to keep your child out of complete harm’s way. From bug stings to scraped skin, injuries do happen, but they can be made a little more bearable with several comforting techniques from a parent. 

 

Stay Calm 

When you are visually concerned, your child will be too. Try your best to deal calmly with the situation but don’t dismiss the fact that they are scared. Even if the injury seems minor, a child’s reaction will only naturally be to cry and work themselves up. By doing the same, you will only escalate their fear – by remaining calm, your child will be more likely to settle down quickly, allowing you to effectively take practical action. 

Act Quickly 

Whether it’s through a simple first-aid fix or kissing it better, your child will want to know that you’re in control and that they’re safe from any further harm. Verbally reassure them and show them that you know how to help. If your child’s pain persists, you may want to visit the doctor for further advice or treatment such as a sterile wound cleanser like biakos antimicrobial. Whatever the action plan, ensure to rationalise the process of recovery to your child by calmly explaining the necessary steps to them in a way that they will understand. 

 

Involve your Child in their Treatment  

Including your child in their treatment, whether at home or the hospital, can help to reduce their anxiety levels. This could mean allowing them to choose the color of their Band-Aid, as well as asking them questions and making them aware of how they can prevent their injury from happening again in the future. By helping your child to be brave, this could encourage your child to have more empathy for when other children get hurt, and can teach them that their pain can be overcome. 

 

Distract them 

A child who is in pain from an injury may not want to play or socialise with others. They may feel tentative about going back to the place that their accident occurred. To help get them feeling safe and comfortable again, distraction techniques such as singing songs together or making silly faces and jokes can work. Once they’ve acknowledged that you know the area is safe, they will most likely follow your lead and move on from their fear. After all, laughter can sometimes be the best form of medicine! 

 

Follow their Pace

If your child is adamant that they don’t want to go back to doing what had caused them the injury, such as playing at the local park or riding their bike, it’s best to follow at their pace and be patient while they recover their confidence again. Make it known that you understand and respect their decision, and consider suggesting alternative fun activities that they may prefer doing.