My child suffered a severe broken arm at school during recess while playing on the playground with friends. A larger child ran into them, causing the accident, and only my child sustained a serious injury; the others had only minor issues. Now, my child is scared about getting hurt again at school. Do you think this situation reflects negligence on the part of the other child? What steps should I take to address this situation?
I’m sorry to hear about your child’s injury. It’s understandable to be concerned about both the physical and emotional implications of such an accident. In terms of whether the bigger kid’s actions constitute negligence, it often depends on the context and school policies. If the child was playing rough or intentionally trying to hurt others, there may be grounds for concern. However, accidents happen, especially in playground settings, and it might not necessarily be negligence in a legal sense.
Here are a few steps you can take to approach the situation:
Talk to Your Child: Reassure your kid that it’s okay to feel scared or upset after such an incident. Encourage him to express his feelings and listen to his concerns.
Communicate with the School: Reach out to the school to discuss the incident. They may be able to provide insights into what happened and how they handle safety on the playground. It’s also important to inform them about your child’s fear, so they can monitor the situation and offer support.
Educate About Safety: Encourage your child to be aware of his surroundings while playing and possibly help him learn how to navigate similar situations in the future. Role-playing scenarios can help him feel more confident.
Focus on Recovery: Make sure he gets the support he needs for both physical healing and emotional recovery. Consider involving a counselor if his fears persist.
Promote Positive Interactions: Encourage your child to engage in activities with friends that are less risky, or consider enrolling him in sports or activities where he can build confidence in a controlled environment.
Follow Up: Monitor how your child is feeling over time. If his fear continues to affect his daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help.
Overall, it’s important to foster an open line of communication, allowing your child to feel safe expressing his fears and concerns.