My son was the first in our family to experience a broken bone, and honestly, it didn’t catch me off guard. He’s always been a little thrill-seeker, so it was only a matter of time before something unexpected occurred. He was at a park, attempting a daring stunt on the monkey bars when he miscalculated his landing, resulting in a fractured arm. I’m somewhat relieved I wasn’t there to witness it; I might have fainted on the spot.
Just a few hours later, he was fitted with a splint and a sling, ready for our visit to the local children’s hospital. Although I never had a broken bone during my childhood, it seems to be a common rite of passage for many kids. They have a knack for keeping us on edge and giving us minor heart palpitations, ensuring we remain overprotective parents. So, it’s likely that your child will face this experience as well—and possibly more than once if luck isn’t on your side.
What we didn’t anticipate was how many aspects of his life we would need to rethink. He is typically an independent 10-year-old, and I had grown accustomed to his self-sufficiency. Thankfully, it wasn’t his dominant hand that was injured, or I would have been tasked with some rather unpleasant bathroom duties.
His routine was turned upside down—piano lessons and soccer practices were off the table. Fortunately, he could still manage his schoolwork, but we had to figure out a new way for him to shower. I found myself helping him bathe again, which was awkward for both of us. He’s quite sensitive about his hair, and like many tweens, he wasn’t fond of my enthusiastic scrubbing technique.
We discovered he would only need to wear his cast for three weeks. As challenging as parenting can be, I’ve learned that you can endure almost anything for that length of time, with a few exceptions, of course—lice infestations come to mind.
For us, the broken bone was more of a minor inconvenience given its short duration. However, for many families, fractures can be more serious, especially if they affect a dominant limb, turning the whole ordeal into a greater challenge. Kids tend to get restless and irritable, homework still looms, and life doesn’t pause. Having a child with a broken bone can feel a lot like revisiting the trying toddler years, only this time it may involve a big kid who needs help with basic hygiene.
Here’s what you can expect:
Boredom Will Strike
Unfortunately, my son had just received a brand-new trampoline for his birthday, and now it was off-limits. Expect complaints of boredom—your child will voice this regardless of their injuries. Keeping them entertained is a challenge under normal circumstances, as they assume it’s our job to amuse them. Don’t stress too much about hearing “I’m bored” on repeat; they would say it whether or not they had a broken arm. Stock up on movies, books, and maybe a new coloring set or games for their tablet. A trip to the library can also help gather activities while reminding them that reading is a much better option than endless video gaming.
Caring for the Cast Isn’t as Bad as You Might Think
I anticipated a nightmare when it came to maintaining the cast, but thankfully, it wasn’t too troublesome. The medical community has made strides in making cast care easier. While it’s crucial to keep it dry, many casts are now waterproof. Since my son showered at night, we kept his cast dry, as who has time for three-hour drying sessions? You can purchase special bags, but we simply used a grocery bag to keep the cast dry during baths. He eventually learned to manage bathing with minimal help, which was a relief.
Kids might experience itching and be tempted to stick objects inside the cast to alleviate it. Make sure to hide any sharp items around the house—the last thing you want is for your child to use something dangerous and cause further injury. Consider teaching them about deep breathing techniques for when the itchiness becomes unbearable.
Sleep May Be Disrupted
Prepare for some uncomfortable nights initially. Your child will likely let you know all about it at 2 a.m. as they struggle to find a comfortable position. You might even find a small sense of humor in pulling out an old pregnancy body pillow for their use. Rest assured, they’ll adapt eventually.
When the Cast Comes Off
On the day the cast finally comes off, temper your excitement. Their limb, which has been immobile for weeks, will likely be stiff and sore, meaning immediate relief may not be in sight. It took my son a few days before he could fully extend his arm again. Surprisingly, he nearly fainted during the cast removal—a common reaction, the doctor noted. After weeks of confinement, seeing the cast aside can be a jarring visual.
Overall, our experience was relatively mild, and the cast turned out to be less of a hassle than I had expected. There were some positives, too; he received plenty of attention from friends and family, and he didn’t hesitate to let classmates help him carry things at school. And let’s be honest, I now have three weeks of “I did everything for you” to hold over his head in future negotiations.
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Summary
When your child breaks a bone, expect boredom, challenges in daily life, and the need for extra support during recovery. Staying prepared and knowing what to anticipate can make the experience easier for both you and your child. While it may seem daunting, it’s often manageable, and you might even find some silver linings along the way.