As a parent it can constantly feel like there’s a lot to juggle. Keeping a look out for potential dangers can feel impossible, and if you are worried about potential head or brain injury, read on for some tips on how best to manage and quell these concerns.
Protection from head injuries
To reduce the risk of your child suffering a traumatic brain injury, you should consider the following:
- Make sure they are fastened in securely every time you drive with them in the car (make sure they sit in a child safety seat until they are tall enough to see out the windows, pull their seat belt quickly to ensure it is working, sit them in the back seat, etc.).
- Ensure they wear protective headgear whenever they participate in particularly dangerous sports and activities (such as cycling, skateboarding, skiing, boxing, ice hockey, rugby, etc.).
- Have guards fitted to your windows to ensure they cannot fall out of them.
- Keep your stairs clean and clear of clutter.
- Take them to playgrounds that have shock-absorbing flooring.
No matter what you do to protect your child’s brain from physical danger, sometimes things will go wrong, certain complications will arise, and mistakes will happen. Should the worst case scenario in this instance become your reality, it’s important that you stay calm and choose your next steps wisely. First and foremost, this means getting your child to the nearest hospital as soon as they suffer a suspected brain injury.
Time really is of the essence in this instance – it could be the difference between sorting the situation and a life-long injury being caused.
Should your child’s injury be caused or made worse by the medical professionals that treat them, it’s important that you align yourself with an attorney that deals with child brain injury claims right away. Claiming the compensation that you and your child deserve could provide you with the funds you need to get your little one the best brain care possible.
Nurturing their mental health
Looking after your child’s brain isn’t just about protecting and supporting it physically. It’s also vitally important that you nurture your little one’s mental health, as doing so could have a major impact on how happy they are both now and in the future.
To nurture your child’s mental health, you should:
- Create a stable environment at home (eat together of an evening, have a bedtime routine, etc.).
- Show acceptance.
- Recognise their efforts when they achieve something.
- Ask them questions about their hobbies and interests.
- Don’t berate them for liking something you don’t necessary like.
- Set them realistic goals.
- Encourage them to be open about how they feel.
- Try to enforce a ‘no secrets rule’ in your household.
- Be careful when it comes to discussing serious issues around your child – they will worry if they think something is wrong.
Remembering to take care of yourself
If your child has sustained an injury and you are dealing with the aftermath, it is likely that you will be stressed from keeping it together during this hard time. Remember to have time out, switch off and take time to yourself before you let it all get on top of you. You can only be there for your child and support them in the right way if you yourself are as rested and able to manage as you can be.
Jason Smith did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
