Bumps and fusses

I  HAVEN'T actually been asked my views on this topic but I've decided to share them with you anyway!

On Friday I was 'lucky' enough to sit opposite a family on a one and a half hour train journey. Their was a Mum, Dad and a toddler of about 18 months. The little boy was actually quite good despite his parents best efforts to liven up the train journey for everyone in the carriage.

After he had had his lunch of chips and crisps he was given toys to build towers in the aisle of the train. Obviously, although it appeared to shock his parents, the beakers were rolling down the carriage and the toddler had to crawl around everyones legs to rescue them. Also unsurprisingly, although his parents were surprised, he fell over whilst jumping around the carriage and bumped his head. The little boy began to scream and his Mum cuddled him. So far so good, but as the toddler settled she kept reminding him of his bumped head. As soon as he calmed down he was asked if his head still hurt, what a big bang he had etc. Inevitably as soon as he was reminded the toddler screamed again! This carried on for quite a while.

As a Mum and a psychologist, I wanted to share my advice with you. If a child is hurt of course comfort them and assess the degree of the injury. If the child is just a bit shaken up then try and distract them with a toy or game. If the child does calm down then don't remind them of their accident. Watch the child to see if a bump comes up or if there is obviously something which shouldn't be ignored. However, if possible, just rub the sore knee, for example, better or give it a kiss and carry on.

I was tempted to offer advice to the Mum on the train but felt it was wrong to. However, if anyone has a question relating to children or working Mums then please feel free to ask me.

Photo by Flickr Thomas Rockstar