Unfortunately, traumatic events, like car accidents and dog bites, happen every day. They can’t be escaped, and since we often have our children with us, they are involved in these incidents too. When you are involved in an incident, they might get injured and experience some trauma. As you are getting help for the trauma, you need to make sure that your child is getting the care they need as well.
While many children can be involved in an incident and recover quickly, there are some who will need more care and support. So what can you do for your child?
You should take care of their injuries, get them to doctors, and watch for concussion symptoms. You can see our article here for more information about toddlers and small children in car accidents.
The Child Mind Institute has tips on how you can support your child through traumatic events, like car accidents and dog bites.
Help Your Child Feel Safe
After a scary event, giving your child some hugs or cuddles and extra attention will help them feel protected.
Act Calm
Your child looks to you for reassurance after something scary has occurred. If they see and hear your anxieties, they will pick up on it as well.
Main Your Routines, As Possible
After a traumatic event, it is important for your child to have their ordinary routines. You should also keep family rules and support your child’s good behavior.
Help Your Child Have Fun
When you are helping your child recover, you should support them in spending time with other kids and doing activities. They will be distracted, which will help them feel normal and feel better.
Tell Your Children About What Happened
You should be the one to tell your children about the accident. You can be brief and honest and answer their questions. They don’t worry about the same things that you do, so you want to hear out their concerns.
Prevent or Limit Exposure to News Coverage
According to Child Mind Institute “this is especially critical with toddlers and school-age children” since viewing traumatic events on TV can make them think they are ongoing and occurring often. “Children who believe bad events are temporary can more quickly recover from them.”
Children Cope in Different Ways
Some children might want to spend time with you, some might want to be left alone. You should let your children experience all of their emotions in their own way.
Help Children Relax With Breaking Exercises
If your child is anxious, help teach them breathing exercises. Deep belly breaths can be relaxing, as well as blowing out slow breaths, like a candle.
Seek Help if Needed
Recognize when your child needs to see a professional. You might have done all you can, but they still are anxious and worried. You should go to your family doctor or mental health professional to help your child recover better.
Take the time to help your child recover from their traumatic events, as you are working to recover as well.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we’ve helped Utah accident victims since 1993. Our attorneys work directly with every client, and we never charge up front. We don’t take a portion of your PIP benefits, and our rates remain consistent—even for cases that go to trial. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, call our attorneys today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation.
