Falls and being struck by something are the two most common causes of non-fatal injuries in children. Injuries caused by being struck by a person, animal, car, or some other inanimate object, like a baseball, vary from bone fractures to traumatic brain injuries.
There are 2 million ER visits each year for children aged 0-14, which costs over $7 billion in medical bills. 156,502 children were injured in car accidents in 2022, a 4% increase in the previous year. School injuries are less common, but injuries sustained at school account for 20% of pediatric injuries, and in one study, 15.5% of the children assessed presented with moderate or severe injuries.
Seeing a child in pain or threat of danger triggers strong emotions in caregivers. Managing the emotional aftermath of a child's injury for both the child and caregiver is an essential part of the healing process.
Zachary Leacox, a personal injury attorney in Palm Bay, FL, shares what we can do to provide emotional support after your child has suffered an injury.
Providing Emotional Support for the Injured Child
● Reassure them - Once medical issues are addressed, provide emotional reassurance. Let them know they are safe now, and you are there for them.
● Encourage expression - Let them talk about or draw what happened. Don’t force them, but let them know you are ready to listen when they want to.
● Stick to routines - Keeping regular routines as much as possible provides a sense of comfort and normalcy.
● Be patient - It is normal for a child to regress a bit or act out after a trauma. Provide extra patience and comfort.
● Watch for signs of trauma - Sleep issues, anxiety, persistent fear, anger, or emotional numbness may indicate a child is having trouble coping. Studies show that 60% of adults have experienced trauma in their childhood. Seek professional counseling if needed.
Taking Care of Your Own Emotional Needs After Your Child’s Injury
● Don’t minimize your feelings - Witnessing or learning about a child’s injury is traumatic for parents, too. Allow yourself to process the emotions instead of minimizing them.
● Talk it out - Confide in trusted family or friends. Sharing your fears and traumatic memories can help diffuse their power over you.
● Take care of yourself - Ensure you get enough sleep, nutrition, and self-care. You can’t fully help your child heal if you are emotionally depleted.
● Seek counseling if needed - If anxiety, depression or trauma symptoms persist, seek professional counseling for yourself. Your well-being impacts your child.
● Be patient with yourself - Healing from trauma takes time for everyone. Give yourself grace on difficult days.
Moving Forward After The Trauma of The Injury
● Focus on the present—As time passes, redirect your thoughts to the here and now rather than dwelling on the trauma. Live in the present with your child.
● Find meaning - As you process the experience, reflect on lessons learned, personal growth, gratitude for healing, or renewed priorities.
● Give hope - Remind your child of all the things they can do and goals they can set. Help them see a hopeful future.
● Celebrate recovery - Note milestones and victories in the recovery process. Celebrate the strength and resilience of your child.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Talk to a personal injury attorney if the accident wasn’t your child’s fault. They can help you claim compensation for your and the child’s trauma, medical bills, and more.
The trauma of a child’s injury can deeply impact the entire family. By providing ongoing emotional support, caring for your own needs, and focusing on the path ahead, families can recover and even grow stronger in the process.
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