Traumatic accidents can happen to anyone at any time, and that, unfortunately, includes our kids. If your child has been hurt in a serious accident, they may be feeling scared and anxious, but you can help them through it. Here’s how:
Keep Calm and Carry On
It might feel like your soul has left your body when your child is injured, but you need to do your best to keep your cool and not let them know how scared you really are because kids look to adults for their cues on how to react. That means, if you’re a hot mess, chances are they’ll be one too! So, take a deep breath, put on your calmest face, and show them that while the situation is serious, it’s manageable. This doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to feel upset—just do your best to try and express your feelings in a way that won’t scare them further.
Keep It Simple, Silly
When explaining what happened to your child, you should always try to be honest, but you should also make a really effort to keep things as simple as possible. Age-appropriate language and keeping the graphic details to yourself is the order of the day. Keep it light and factual and you might just avoid scaring them unduly.
Routine is Your Best Friend
Traumatic events can make the world feel topsy-turvy for little ones, so as their parent, it is your job to try and make them feel reassured. You can do this by getting them back into thier usual routine as soon as possible. Make things feel as close to the same as ever as possible and it will really help.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes, love and hugs aren’t enough to get your kids through a traumatic time. So, don’t shy away from seeking help from a child psychologist if you think it might help. These pros can work magic, helping your child express and understand their feelings in a safe space, so that they can come to terms with it and move on more effectively.
Listen More Than You Talk
Be all ears for your child when they need you most. Do your best to encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling and experiencing. Of course, sometimes they might just drop these feelings into random conversations. When they do, listen. Really listen. It’s their way of processing the event, and your attentive ear can make a huge difference.
Snuggle Up
Never underestimate the power of physical comfort for a young child. A simple hug or cuddle at the right time can reassure them that they are safe and secure and give them the tie they need to open up to you. It tells your child, “I’m here, you’re safe.” In a world that suddenly seems scary, this reassurance is worth its weight in gold.
Make Safety a Priority
Post-accident, it’s really important that you do whatever you can to bolster your family’s security measures, whether that means always wearing a seatbelt or teaching your kid how to cross the street safely. Try to teach them these things without scarring them and they will feel safer in similar situations in the future.
Play It Out
Play therapy can be an excellent way for kids to work through trauma. Through play, children often express emotions they can’t put into words. Whether it’s with dolls, action figures, or drawing, play provides a safe outlet for their feelings.
Accident Lawyers Are Your Allies
If the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, consider consulting with a car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer, for example, who is licensed to practice in multiple states. They can handle the gritty legal stuff, helping you secure any compensation that might assist with medical bills or therapy costs. It’s like having a legal guardian angel by your side.
Create a Safety Plan Together
Involving your child in creating a safety plan is often a really good way of handing some power back to them when they are probably feeling very powerless and vulnerable. Talk to them about the steps they can take in various situations to stay safe, such as pointing out emergency exits, for example, and not only will they feel in control, but they will also have a bigger feeling of security too.
Use Storytelling as a Tool
Children resonate with stories. Consider reading books that tackle the subject of accidents or recovery from trauma in a gentle, hopeful way. You can also create stories with your child where characters overcome difficulties or fears, emphasizing resilience and positive outcomes.
Incorporate Relaxation Techniques
Teach your child simple relaxation techniques they can use when they feel anxious or stressed. Techniques like deep breathing, counting to ten, or visualizing a safe place can be effective tools for emotional regulation. Practice these techniques together to make them more familiar and accessible.
Build a Support Network
Encourage relationships with friends and family members who can provide additional emotional support. Sometimes, children feel more comfortable sharing their feelings with someone other than their parents. Having a trusted network can provide a wider safety net for your child.
Monitor Media Exposure
Be mindful of the media your child consumes, especially if it relates to accidents or traumatic events. Excessive exposure to such themes can reignite fears or trauma. Opt for content that is uplifting, educational, and appropriate for their age and emotional state.
Engage in Physical Activity
Encourage physical activities that can help release pent-up energy and stress. Activities like swimming, cycling, or team sports not only promote physical health but also improve mood and mental well-being. It’s a fun way for your child to regain confidence in their physical abilities.
Revisit the Scene
If appropriate and possible, revisit the scene of the accident. This can be a therapeutic way for your child to confront and overcome their fears, but it should be done under the guidance of a professional psychologist and only if they feel ready.
Celebrate Their Bravery
Acknowledge and celebrate the bravery your child shows by dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Small rewards or words of affirmation can boost their self-esteem and reinforce their ability to handle tough situations.
Maintain Consistent Communication
Keep the lines of communication open. Let your child know they can talk to you about their feelings at any time. This ongoing support is crucial for their recovery and emotional stability.
Educate About Emotions
Help your child understand that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic event. Educate them about different feelings they may encounter and provide them with coping mechanisms to manage these emotions effectively.
Celebrate Small Victories
Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrated these moments. Maybe it’s the first night they sleep through the night or a day they go without mentioning the accident. Recognize and celebrate these milestones—they’re signs of recovery.
Helping your child recover from a traumatic accident is no walk in the park, but you’re a great parent and with these tips, you can do it!