Parenting can be a whirlwind of moments that often blend joy and chaos. Many of us have swung our children by the arms, delighting in their laughter as we twirl them around the living room. I’ll admit, I’ve done this with my three kids, lifting them up by their hands and carrying them through the store, their giggles echoing through the aisles. It’s a common practice among parents, and it seems innocent enough—until it isn’t.
One day, my youngest daughter, Lily, who was just two at the time, came to me with tears streaming down her cheeks and her arm dangling limply at her side. Her older sibling had tried to pull her onto the couch by her right arm, and in that moment, panic gripped me. I feared the worst—was she seriously hurt? Fortunately, she wasn’t permanently damaged, but she did suffer from nursemaid’s elbow, a condition that occurs when the radius bone in the forearm slips out of its normal position in the elbow joint. This is particularly common in children under four years of age.
According to research from Boston Children’s Hospital, this dislocation can happen quite easily, especially when kids are swung or tugged by their arms. For some children, like my Lily, their elbow joint can be quite loose, similar to a foot in an untied shoe, making it susceptible to slipping out of place.
On the day Lily dislocated her elbow, I was horrified to watch as the doctor attempted to reposition her arm three times. Each attempt elicited cries of pain from her, and I couldn’t help but tear up as I witnessed her suffering. The experience was a stark reminder of the risks involved in swinging kids around by the arms. It’s something I had done countless times before without a second thought, but now that I had witnessed the consequences, I became much more cautious.
While I wholeheartedly support the benefits of rough and tumble play—research indicates that it can help reduce anxiety disorders in adulthood—it’s essential to approach it carefully. Dr. Mark Thompson, a pediatric orthopedic specialist, emphasizes that while it’s important not to overly protect our children, we must be mindful of their developing joints. He advises parents to engage in play that avoids putting excess strain on their children’s bodies.
The risks extend beyond just the elbow. Swinging a child by their arms can impact other joints as well. I understand the temptation; when your child looks up at you with a gleeful smile and asks to be swung, it’s challenging to say no. However, after experiencing the pain of nursemaid’s elbow firsthand, I now opt for safer alternatives, such as lifting my children under the armpits or cradling them more securely.
As a precaution, I’ve also started using a leash and harness when we go out. While I occasionally get judgmental looks for it, I prioritize my child’s safety over the opinions of others. This allows me to keep her from running off and prevents her from potentially injuring herself by pulling her arm out of its socket.
If you’re one of those parents who enjoys swinging your child around, I completely understand the allure. However, after witnessing the challenges associated with nursemaid’s elbow, saying “no” has become much easier for me.
For more insights on parenting, be sure to check out our other blog posts and resources, including this article on terms and conditions and information from Make a Mom about artificial insemination kits which can be beneficial for those considering home insemination. Additionally, Medical News Today provides excellent resources on pregnancy and fertility.
Summary:
Swinging your child by the arms may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious injuries like nursemaid’s elbow. While rough play is beneficial for child development, it’s vital to approach it with caution to protect their growing joints. Safer alternatives for lifting and carrying your child are available, and using a harness can help prevent accidents.