Learn About Injury
and Trauma

Why it happens: After your child is injured, there are lots of things that you as a parent have to cope with. It’s normal for parents to feel stress and to be concerned about the future. Many parents also have some traumatic stress reactions in the first few weeks. If these don’t get better in a month or so, they may signal a problem that needs attention.

Why it happens: Injury can affect the whole family. When a child is hurt or in the hospital, brothers and sisters may be worried, frightened, or even angry. It’s hard for parents to meet everyone’s needs at the same time.

Is this a problem?: You may notice that your other children are missing your attention, or that they are upset or worried.

Why it happens: Many times behavior changes are temporary reactions to injury-related stresses and to normal life being turned “upside down”, at least for while. Frustrations or worries can lead to clingy or angry behaviors. Some head injuries can also lead to behavior changes (be sure to ask your child’s doctor about what to expect).

Is this a problem?: Are behavior changes making it harder for your child to get along with people or to get back to regular activities? Have these changes lasted for more than a few weeks?

Why it happens: Returning to school may require physical accommodations (such as getting around on crutches). Stress and worry can sometimes make it harder to concentrate on schoolwork. And after an injury, there may be changes (at least for a while) in your child’s ability to participate in sports and other activities they enjoy.

Why it happens: Some sleep problems after an injury are a temporary reaction to disruptions in your child’s schedule and routines. But sleep problems can be made worse by pain from the injury, or by worries and thoughts that make it hard to relax.

Is this a problem?: Is your child having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep many nights? Is your child afraid to sleep alone?

Why it happens: When we are under a lot of stress, feel really jumpy or on guard, or have thoughts of what happened popping into mind, it can be hard to pay attention at times. Some head injuries can lead to concentration problems (be sure to ask your child’s doctor about what to expect).

Is this a problem?: Is difficulty concentrating getting in the way of schoolwork, or your child’s ability to take part in other activities or sports?

Why it happens: Stress and changes can lead to frustrations for injured kids. Feeling jumpy all the time, being tired or in pain can make anyone more easily angered. Some head injuries can lead to changes in ability to control emotions or behavior (be sure to ask your child’s doctor about what to expect).

Is this a problem?: Is irritability making it hard for your child to get along with family or friends? Is this a big change in your child’s usual personality?

Why it happens: A frightening experience can trigger an exaggerated physical startle response that takes some time to go away.

Is this a problem?: Is your child feeling so jumpy that it’s really hard to relax? Is it affecting his/ her sleep or ability to concentrate?