How often have you wished you could bottle up a little of your child’s endless energy and use it for yourself? It’s amazing how they just keep going and going and going. Sometimes, though, all that energy is what causes a misstep or accident — and the aches and pain that follow. One thing is for sure: you can help make it better.
Recommended tips to relieve your child’s pain
Some children think that pain is a form of punishment so it’s important that you provide your child with both physical and emotional relief:
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Ask them to share information about their pain and let them know that their pain will go away
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Ensure your child understands that their pain is not their fault and that pain can happen to anyone
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If your child is in pain due to some sort of injury, use the RICE method:
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Have your child rest the area
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Wrap ice in a towel before placing it on their skin in order to prevent frostbite to the area. Apply it to the sore area for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day for 48 hours
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Compress the area by wrapping the area loosely with a sports bandage
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Keep the injury elevated
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If your child is experiencing muscle pain, treat the muscle with heat or a gentle massage — your child should feel better in about 48 hours
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Practicing deep breathing or relaxation exercises together can help provide pain relief for your child and gives them a feeling of control over their body
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Soothe your child by using a gentle voice, touch and cuddle
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Distract your child by playing a game, singing a song, playing music or reading a story
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Use your mommy or daddy magic by “kissing it better” and/or putting a bandage on a minor bump or scrape (even if it isn’t necessary) for a boost of emotional relief
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Make sure your child is well rested — your child may be more sensitive to pain when they’re not
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Set a good example because how your child handles and reacts to pain depends on what they pick up from their parents
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Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relieving medication that’s specially formulated for children - to relieve your child’s aches and pains, like Children’s TYLENOL® Liquids or MELTAWAYS™.
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Do not give your child acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) — ASA may cause a dangerous medical condition called Reye’s Syndrome.
When to call the doctor about your child’s pain
Call your child’s doctor if:
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You can’t provide relief for your child on your own
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Your child’s injury is causing excessive bleeding, swelling or pain
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Your child’s pain is accompanied by other symptoms like a fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea or a stiff neck
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You suspect your child’s pain is the result of an illness
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Your child is recovering from a sports injury and you want to ensure they’re well enough to rejoin the action
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Your child’s pain lasts longer than 5 days
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Any time you feel unsure about any of your child’s symptoms
