Each parent wishes to see their child develop in a positive manner and wants the best for them. The challenge of supporting children with limb differences presents certain unique challenges. Taking part in sports, going to school, and even simply going out with friends can require mental and physical adaptations. Following the loss or severe damage of a limb, some children never regain their confidence. However, at Hope AMC, we strive to change that with children’s orthotics and prosthetics.
We specialize in pediatric orthotics and prosthetics. To ensure a child can accomplish any goal they set, each piece is individualized to meet the needs of the child. Pediatric orthotics and prosthetic services give children the opportunity to grow without physical limitations.
Understanding the Journey
As if growing up wasn’t hard enough, children who have lost limbs can experience even more challenges in this process. Every parent hopes for a seamless transition from being fully able-bodied to having an artificial limb, but the reality is that it will be challenging for both the parents and the child. Because of this, it is important to stay realistic and informed in order to give your child the best support, whether it be physical or emotional.
Keep Up With the Latest
However, sometimes that isn’t an option for parents and children. It is still important for parents to research limb differences regardless of whether they can devote substantial time to doing their research and preparing or if it occurs overnight. Maybe you can read blogs, be a member of pediatric orthotics and prosthetics groups online, or meet with a therapist specializing in children’s orthotics and prosthetics.
The prosthetist caring for your child will be an expert in pediatric prosthetic limb care and emotional support. Using the latest technology, Hope AMC’s Orthotics & Prosthetics provides your child with the highest quality of life.
Maintain a positive attitude
Despite feeling a wide range of overwhelming emotions, it is crucial that you remain positive for your own and your child’s wellbeing. In today’s society, it is very easy for people with physical differences (e.g. artificial limbs or missing limbs) to focus on the difficulties they face. Nevertheless, it is best to adapt your home in a positive way to help your child adjust to this new environment.
Rather than focusing on the friends who may tease them, let them make new friends through support groups. Furthermore, you can make friends; you should try to meet other parents who have experienced what you are currently going through. Such people can provide you with the hope that things will return to normal. Even though the normal will be different than before, it is still a new reality in which your child will be able to thrive and one in which you will be comfortable and happy.
Stay Connected
Life can be dramatically changed by a limb difference. Thus, it is important that you and your child receive positive support. The benefit of support groups is that you will meet people who can help you through the healing process and give you hope for the future. Families dealing with limb differences can find support and education through these organizations. Parents can be connected to other groups in the area or find prosthetists for kids nearby.
Parents should stay connected to their families and friends as well as these organizations and groups. A parent can only do so much. Taking care of oneself is important for a caregiver. Spend an hour every week talking to a medical professional or getting a massage or just catching up with friends.
Stay Accessible
Parents need to be accessible to their children once they resume normal activities. Explain how they can help the child to any childcare workers the child may have, such as a teacher or daycare attendant. As caregivers, these individuals are the first who need to know how to handle difficult situations or care needs. Furthermore, parents should direct caregivers to not put the child in the spotlight. This is likely to create a divide between the child and his or her classmates if they are not allowed to do a group activity. As a matter of course, they should be treated similar to their peers.
It’s also important for the parents of children with limb differences to stay accessible in case any others have questions about how to support the child. If the parents do not make themselves available, a friend, family member, or parent of another child may inadvertently say or do something that has a negative impact.
Fostering respectful, supportive relationships will help your child’s needs to be understood by the people around you. You’re also more likely to teach your child how to feel comfortable around others if you’re open about limb differences.
Now What?
Children grow up so fast. Children’s prosthetics and orthotics that change and adapt to them need to be provided by a prosthetist devoted to pediatrics. Often, limb differences cause children with them to differ from those without them.
Providing our patients with the tools needed to live a full life is our passion at Hope AMC. Children receive the best care and support for orthotics and prosthetics from our staff.
Get in touch with us by calling +971-529997075 or requesting an appointment today if you’re ready to begin the journey. We are here for you at Hope AMC.
