Playing sports is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable parts of being a child. Not only are they great fun, but they also encourage the development of several crucial skills. As a parent, you should always embrace their passion for sport with open arms.

 

However, one of the few downsides to having a sports-mad child is the threat of injuries. A child’s body is delicate. Developing bones and muscles are particularly vulnerable to damage. It’s part and parcel of growing up. Nevertheless, as a parent, it’s imperative that you know how to react.

Here’s a guide on what you should do in your role.

Immediate Reaction

The first thing to do after any injury is to act fast. And act calmly. Seeing your child in pain will have you worried, but it’s imperative that you don’t let these fears surface. If the child detects your fears, it will only scare them.

Keeping your child calm in an accident is a must. If it’s a serious problem, then it’s important not to move the victim until an ambulance has arrived. The last thing you want to do is make the situation worse.

If it’s an organised sporting event, there should be a first aid kit to hand. Be sure to stop any bleeding.

Aftermath

It doesn’t matter if it’s an impact injury or a twisted ankle; diagnosis is vital. If you aren’t sure what the problem is, you won’t be able to find the best treatment.

In many cases, if it’s not too threatening, an urgent care center is better than an emergency room. This option is normally cheaper, and also reduces waiting times. When dealing with a child, this can be crucial.

Once you’ve got the right diagnosis, you can start to think about the road to recovery.

Rehabilitation

Your child will likely face some sort of physiotherapy or rehab to get their muscles and bones back up to full strength. If the medical experts set your kid a task, it’s your responsibility to ensure they do it.

Failure to keep on track with their routines could bring huge repercussions in later life. This is particularly important if the child has had an operation. You should also speak to the physio to see if there are any products you can buy to aid the recovery. In addition to the physical aspects, you must ensure that the child recovers mentally too.

Do not rush the child back. The recovery will take as long as it takes. Their body will know when they are ready.

Be Supportive

The most important aspect is that you be a supportive parent throughout the process. Taking care of an injured child will be testing, but you have to remember that this wasn’t their fault.

If they need to take time off of school, then so be it. Meanwhile, you should ensure that they stick to a good diet. As well as keeping your child well nourished, it could aid the recovery too.

Finally, you must look to keep them entertained. Perhaps buying them a new video game will help them to relax and take their mind off the injury.