t is difficult as a parent to watch when your child is in pain. From the early days of teething and nappy rash to sore throats and bruised knees, we never stop worrying about our little ones. We want to be there for them and help them to cope with any pain they experience.
Sometimes by simply reassuring your child that they will be okay, spending some time with them and kissing the affected area better, you can help them to deal with the pain more easily.
Always trust your instincts and if you are worried about the pain your child is in, or they have been unwell for more than a couple of days, do consult with your pharmacist or GP. You may not immediately think of asking your local pharmacist but they really can help with everything from identifying symptoms to giving advice on the best products to help your child cope with the pain they are experiencing or getting to the root of whatever is making them feel unwell. If symptoms persist, it is best to visit the GP.
There are numerous over the counter medicines on offer for pain management. Be sure to get advice on the best product for their needs and read all labels. Only give your child the recommended doses for their age. And if it is the first time your child is taking a particular medicine, watch them closely for allergy symptoms.
Look out for patterns and habits. Sometimes a child may want to avoid a certain activity or class. If you see a pattern or habit develop, talk to your child to see if the pain is real or if they are feeling anxious and that anxiety is manifesting itself as pain.
Sometimes offering a placebo will make the pain go away. Again this is about trusting your instincts. If you think your child may be simply looking for attention or is anxious about a situation, offer them a placebo and you may be surprised to find the pain disappears.
Our mind is a powerful tool and sometimes distracting your child by playing a game, reading to them, telling them a story or watching a favourite program can help take their minds of their pain and they can often start to feel better. Offering sympathy, reassurance and looking after their needs will help them cope better.
If your child is missing school as a result of feeling unwell, you need to ensure they don’t see it as a ‘fun day off’. This can lead to all sorts of new ailments in the future! Be firm but fair and if you insist that all homework is caught up on, you may see them wanting to get back to school more quickly.
Children learn by watching and listening to us. Be aware of what they hear and see when discussing your own pain. And remember, if they see you coping well with pain, it can help them to cope better when they experience pain. We have more advice on helping your child if they feel unwell on www.mykidstime.com
