Main menu

Pages

Kids and Teens ( 5 Ways to Make Going Back to School on Crutches Easier )

Kids and Teens ( 5 Ways to Make Going Back to School on Crutches Easier )


Going back to school is hard enough, but if your child is on crutches, the challenges will be even larger this year. There are plenty of things you can do in advance to make the transition easier on your non-weight bearing child. Here are 5 ways to make going back to school on crutches easier for your child.
Way#1: Plan Ahead
The first thing you will want to do is advise the school of your child's condition. He might need medication at certain times of the day and the school nurse needs to know what to watch out for so that everyone can work together to help him heal. You will also be able to get access to handicap resources within the school such as the elevator if the school is more than one level. Your child might also be allowed more time between classes. Planning ahead and working with the school will make things much easier on your child when the day to go back rolls around.
Way#2: Get Help
It's hard enough to balance on crutches without having to worry about carrying books and other items. Find out which of your children's friends are in his classes and arrange for them to help your child with his books, lunch tray, and other needs. It might be hard for your child to ask for help on his own, but if you arrange it in advance, those other kids will ask him if he needs help. When it is all arranged, you won't have to worry about extra struggles for him in way of books or lunch trays.
Way#3: Look into Alternatives to Crutches
Crutches can be hard to handle on a normal day at home. When you couple them with challenges at school, they can be next to impossible. Spend a little time before school starts looking into alternatives to see what might be out there that would work better for your child. You might be surprised at the options and how well they work. Some could even improve the recovery speed and entire process.
Way#4: Instruct Your Child
You will want to make sure you have a discussion with your child about going back to school. He will be on his own without you to watch over him and he needs to watch out for certain things. Give him the warning signs regarding his recovery and make sure he understands when he needs to go to the nurse for help. Teach him how to listen to his body so he doesn't overdo it and deplete his energy levels. If he has all of the proper information, going back to school will be easier on him.
Way#5: Allow Treats
In order to make going back to school fun despite his injury, give him special treats or rewards to make up for the challenges he will face. Tell him that once he is recovered, you will get him that new soccer ball he's been eyeing. Give him some goals to help motivate him to recover faster and concentrate on school at the same time.
Going back to school can be an exciting time, but when your child is on crutches, there are additional challenges that need to be addressed. These tips can help you and your child work together to make the transition as easy as possible without interrupting the recovery process.
GoodbyeCrutches.com is a great resource for children and adults. The website has three alternatives to crutches such as the Knee Scooter, the Seated Scooter and the Hands Free Crutch. Each of the alternatives can help children in the non-weight bearing mode get around better, easier, and faster. The website also has great resources for the home like shower stools and other helpful tools. Children and adults can even read through the company blog that details items that make life on crutches easier and help injured people through the recovery process. Visit GoodbyeCrutches.com and see what all it has to offer you.

Comments