A theme park accident is the worst experience you may encounter as a family and childrens health insurance can be a must-have in case of such a horrible occurrence. A debilitating injury may leave a loved one incapacitated, and the death of a family member is the worst nightmare.
You may be lucky enough to get away with less severe injuries, but the trauma stays with your family for a lifetime. Children are often affected the most, and the traumatic event may even change their lives. As a parent, you can help them cope with their inner struggle and regain their peace and joy.
The road to recovery is long and daunting, but a little effort can help you normalize your family life again. Here are some actionable parenting tips to help your child recover from a theme park accident.
Regain control over your emotions first
Helping kids to deal with their trauma requires you to regain control over your emotions in the first place. Acceptance is the first step to reclaiming your life because you cannot reverse the situation. It is easy to feel parental guilt for failing to keep your family safe. But you cannot do much about a theme park mishap caused by the negligence of owners and operators. Focus on emotional recovery first because adults are as prone to PTSD and depression as young kids.
You may seek counseling to find your way back and help your kids rebuild life after an accident. Invest in self-care with meditation, exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep.
Your child needs immediate medical attention
In the aftermath of a theme park accident, it seems crucial to seek immediate medical attention for your children. They could still suffer internal injuries even if there are no physical signs of injury. Take your children to an Urgent Care Clinic in Jackson, TN (or near your location) and have them evaluated to ensure they are healthy.
Inform the doctor about the accident and provide any relevant details that may help with the diagnosis. To further assess your child, you can also take him or her to a specialist. Make sure you keep all medical records and bills so they can be used if you need to file a lawsuit.
Ensure justice for your loved ones
Besides being there for your kids, you must ensure justice for them. Any mishap due to someone’s negligence entitles victims to personal injury, and it applies to theme park accidents as well. Connect with a seasoned personal injury attorney sooner than later to initiate the compensation claim. Gather as much evidence as possible and provide all the details to help the lawyer get the compensation value you deserve. The claim can reset your finances and get life back on track. Moreover, your kids will be happy to know that you ensure justice for them once they grow up.
Make your child feel safe
A traumatic event may leave your children in a bad emotional state. Whether you have a toddler or teen, making them feel safe should be a priority. Talk to them to connect and understand their deep-seated stresses and fears. Listen carefully, answer questions honestly, share information about what happened, and reassure them that you are right there. Physical touch gives a feeling of security, so do not skimp on hugs, kisses, and back pats. But stick with age-appropriate acts of parental love and care.
Alternatively, seek therapy from a professional who can help your child feel at ease and help them get back to normalcy as soon as possible. A good option will be to opt for offline trauma counseling. You can ask for recommendations from your friends and family to find a reputed therapist near you. If, however, they are not available, you can look into online sessions with similar experts, which can be attended from any corner of the world with just an Internet connection and a device that supports video calling. You can find more insights into online trauma counselling on the Web so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Maintain routines
Chaos and change are often the after-effects of an amusement park accident. But you must do your bit to maintain daily routines as much as possible. Routines are a way to reassure your kids that life will be the same again. Try to maintain regularity with mealtimes and bedtimes. Also, ensure that your kids do not miss school once they are fit to return. Watch out for signs of trauma and seek medical help from a child counselor. Also, reward good behavior and spend quality time together as a clan. Maintaining routines is also about helping children enjoy themselves. Plan family outings again and take your kids to a theme park so that they can overcome their inner fears.
As a parent, you must understand that kids have different coping strategies during a traumatic situation. Some want to be alone, while others feel comfortable when parents and siblings are around. Give your kids the freedom to handle the trauma their own way, but be around to extend all the support they need. Remember that you can play a crucial role in your child’s physical and emotional recovery after a theme park mishap. Follow these simple tips to give your best as a parent and help your children reclaim their lives again.