How easy is it for a kindergarten aged boy to get a golf ball sized bruise on his lower back?

Question

I'm a new volunteer child advocate. During a home visit, I noticed a golf ball sized bruise on the child's back. I'd say it was a couple of inches above his right kidney.

I plan to alert my supervisor and social services tomorrow just to be safe, but can someone tell me if this should have me as freaked out as I feel?

Would a child get this playing? It just seems like an awkward place for a bruise.

When asked about it, he said he didn't remember how he got it.

From all other information I have, I don't see signs of abuse or neglect. I don't want to be hysterical over this, but I also don't want to dismiss it just in case it is abuse.

Answer 1

Usually in abuse cases there will be more than just one injury of and, at that age, if the abuse has been going on for some time (i.e. with the same people, no recent changes with new people in his life), there will be evidence of old injuries.

I would still be suspicious, but children sometimes get injured and are afraid to tell an adult how it happened because it is embarrassing to them. They did something silly and got hurt or the school yard bully hit him with a hard object in that spot.

That type of injury could happen outside the home as well as inside and it can also come from things such as Hemophilia, so medical condition should be ruled out. If a youngster did have Hemophilia this injury could be life threatening.

There are many considerations in approaching this case and the best way to handle it if there is no other "abuse type" evidence would be to report it, along with your other "negative evidence" and suggest that a follow up be carried out in about a week with a close examination by a nurse or other medical professional of the child's body for signs of further injury.

I mention that time frame because if there is a possible abuse, more injuries would be likely then.

Remember to rule out medical condition because it is important to be fair to the custodians of the child.

Forget freaked out, if you had seen a child with a lot of old injuries and/or burn scars, as well as new injuries, then it is entirely permissible to get freaked out. One injury is usually not in home abuse. Cool down and approach it like a professional with a clear and concise report that includes all of what you saw and heard.

By the way: did you point out the bruise to the custodian of the boy (parents, whoever he lives with)? Listening to them explain how he got it , or the surprise at seeing it can tell you a lot about the adult in charge.

Answer 2

Kids get bruised ALL the time. He could have gotten it at a pool or on a play ground just playing too rough...and if it didn't hurt too much at the time he probably didn't even notice.
I think you are right alert your supervisor and have it on record...but if that is the only sign then just keep it on the back burner for now and if there is ever any other sign you can put the pieces together.
I know how it is to be a new advocate in things like you are doing. You are so afraid you'll miss something, plus you are so anxious to help a child that you are just excited to find one that needs you...I understand, but wait until you find that child...the one that really needs you.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

between the ages of three and six my own son had dozens of bruises of all shapes and sizes..

If the child says he doesnt know how he got it and everything else seems fine I'd stop freaking out.

Little kids, especially boys climb, jump, throw, hit, run, fall, and lots of other activities. Any of which can give them a bruise.

If there are no signs of abuse or neglect there is a darn good chance that this is not abuse or neglect.

If the child is happy and the family seems happy.

I wouldt even report it.

Why not ask the parents how it happened?
there is possibly a really simple explanation.

Answer 4

My son is four and he gets bruised up all the time. The last time we had someone watch him he ended up with about four small round bruises down his back, it drove me nuts and when I asked him he said he did not know. Then, It happened again and I realized he was getting them from the seat-back on his big wheel! These little guys are so rough and tumble even with themselves.
Check out the toys these kids play with and ask what their favorite games are, sometimes the mysterious bruise can be understood if you see a pile of toys at the bottom of the slide or a new pair of skates that they are learning to use.
Keep up the good work, I hope I was helpful.

Answer 5

Once my son got hit with a baseball and it left a huge bruise...but he definitely remembered getting it.

You are doing your job. As a child advocate, you will be seeing far worse in the future. Feel good that you may be saving him from abuse.

Answer 6

I would say it is good you are reporting this... I certainly would also I am a sub teacher.. so I know what you are talking about... And NO I have never seen this from children Playing.... I also have 2 children who are very ruff with each other and I have never had either one have a bruise there legs , arms , shoulder,, head, etc.. but never the back... that is a cowards way I tell them if you hit from behind...Good Luck..

Answer 7

Not to dismiss your concern, but little boys are always rough-housing and banging something. However, on the other end of the spectrum, when you ask him, look him in the eyes and see if there is fear. I think it's good to make a note of when, the size, where and his response just in case it happens again.

Answer 8

You mean golf ball size hail, yes, and I have seen the damage they did to cars and house windows.

Answer 9

A rock.....a ball....falling on something....some other kids kick or punch....trees...dogs... falling back into a fridge door handle...car door handle(any handle that is at that height)all these are ways me and little bro have gotten them...sometimes he never remembered where or how he got them.

Answer 10

beat the kid