We were outside with my other son, and the 3 yr. old stepped on a skateboard. He fell so hard into the splits. Anyway-he broke his femur. he was put in a spica cast(body cast) for 6weeks. He has been out for a couple weeks, and is slowly progressing. He can now stand on his own, and take a few steps with support. He refuses to walk without holding on to someone or something. He will be starting physical therapy soon. I want to know ways I can encourage him to walk on his own. I am confident that he can--I think hes just scared that he'll lose his balance and fall again. He seems to be shy about the whole situation. How can I encourage him and be tough all at once? I dont want to baby him, but I dont want to put too much pressure on him either. I just need some advice from other parents who may have been through this before...PLEASE!?
2006-06-06 04:58:52 · 8 answers · asked by dana82 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
My son broke his collar bone falling down a flight of stairs. He had to wear a harness for 6 weeks. Kids getting hurt is normal.
First of all, try to schedule a session with the therapist alone and tell them your concerns. They have a lot of experience with this sort of thing and can answer your questions.
Try to be calm and let your son go at his own pace. If he wants to hang onto you while walking let him. Praise any attempts he makes on his own and don't force him.
Just keep open and honest communication between you and the therapist. Soon you won't be able to keep up with your son! Blessings on you both, I hope this helped!
2006-06-06 05:12:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully, he will be seen by a pediatric Physical Therapist. Find out what the delay is in getting him started in therapy. I would follow the lead of the therapist. He should be encouraged to do his best, and because he is so young, he's probably doing just that. You sound like a very good parent. Call the ortho doc, and get some answers about starting his therapy.
You'll do fine, and so will he. Wait until he's a teenager. That's the start of real concern. He'll give you the kind of gray hair you can't even color.
Seriously, my best.
Grizz
To add, JEFFY is on the mark. His PT will know how to handle the emotional as well as the physical aspects of his injury. Rely on this to help you out. And...the fracture has nothing to with normal or abnormal. It's an injury. My concern is, other than the sternum, (hardest bone to break), the femur is a very strong bone as well. Depending on the nature of the break, or how it penetrated, may prompt you to ask about bone density. If he doesn't recommend it, he'll explain why. Ask if he doesn't.
2006-06-06 12:29:15 · answer #2 · answered by grizz9duckling702 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A three year-old should probably be babied with an injury such as that. Young kids are extremely good at rebounding from injury, so even if he's a little slow in starting to walk on his own, I don't think that will affect his long term prognosis that much.
My unprofessional advice would be to try and convey to him the idea that the sooner he walks/more he "practices", the sooner he'll get better and be able to play baseball, soccer, or whatever physical activity he enjoys.
2006-06-06 12:03:08 · answer #3 · answered by jeff_hammersmark 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor or the physical therapist has undoubtedly encountered situations like this before. They should be able to give you good advice abou thow ot encourage your son. It might also be worth ask your doctor about a bone density scan, just to make sure your boy's bones are not unusually brittle.
Good Luck.
2006-06-06 12:04:14 · answer #4 · answered by JeffyB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't want to push him too hard yet. If he hasn't even started PT yet, then he probably isn't ready to be doing much yet. The last thing you want to have happen is to push him to far, and hinder his recovery. The PT will tell you what you need to know and show you exercises to do with him, as well as how to be "firm" but understanding of his discomfort. GL and be strong and patient.
2006-06-06 12:06:08 · answer #5 · answered by Wilde Enchantress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not common, but lots of kids break bones. You might also see if some water exercise could help build up strength. One thing that can help is having him push a cart in the grocery store.
2006-06-06 12:09:12 · answer #6 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Remeber, when you are young, your bones aren't as developed, at that age it is very easy to snap a bone. I already had a cousin younger that that who broke his femur also.
2006-06-06 12:02:12 · answer #7 · answered by Yuri Slavio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, of course he is afraid of falling again. That being said it will take time for him to trust his legs not to put him in that situation again. Nothing will help him except time. Best wishes
2006-06-06 12:02:51 · answer #8 · answered by colorist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋