#1 item on dd's list:crutches

[PrincessSuzanne]

This is coming from someone that had to have an injection in her left ankle this morning, right at the bone, and a fitting for an imobilizing brace, playing with crutches is not the best idea. They can cause nerve damage under the arm, they do need to be adjusted by a professional so as not to cause other damage.

I think some kids do have a fasination about crutches, casts...etc, and it is healthy to encourage her on some levels, but with the crutches is not the right way. I love the idea of the bandages, but I really would have to reconsider the crutches.

I was fascinated when all my friends were getting braces and we would bend paper clips and "wear" them as braces, but it was a very bad idea. My dentist showed me what could happen and I stopped that. Sometimes our "childs play" can backfire on us and it is not the best thing to encourage some of that play.

 

[MineMail]

At $4, it's not a big issue, just set some ground rules. You're not throwing tons of money away and she'll get the urge to be on crutches out of her system.

My 7th graders are still fascinated with crutches! If someone comes in with them due to an injury, they have to watch the crutches like a hawk because sure enough, someone will grab them to play with them! As long as you teach her how to use them properly (with your arms, not your armpits!), and make sure she's not trying to get hurt, then I think all is well.

Truthfully, many preteens and teens want to use crutches when they don't need them because it attracts attention. (Better than them shrinking into the background to escape notice.) They're curious about how they help and what it feels like to be reliant on them. It only takes a short time and some sore armpits to make kids realize that crutches are not toys. (Since she can walk in "real life," she won't get to the point of damaging that nerve. That's an overdramatization, imo.) Be sure to let her explain that she wanted them if anyone asks "what happened?" I think the experience will make her more sympathetic towards others. My youngest DD sprained an ankle and was in a soft boot for two weeks a few years ago. She's the first one to hold the door for anyone with a boot, cast, crutch or wheelchair because she can empathize with getting hit by a heavy door when you can't hold it open for yourself.

I think encouraging DD's interest and giving her a stocked first aid kit is a great idea given her interest in all things medical.

You might also want to sign her up for a Red Cross Babysitting course where she can learn babysitting skills, basic first aid and CPR. I think you have to be 11 years old to take the course, but that might vary from office to office.

Hope all of you who have to use crutches for real get well soon. Maybe this girl will grow up to be a doctor or nurse like the ones who are taking care of you.