United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

If you could have a children's book that helped you explain your child's injury to your child, what would you like it to say? I am thinking a book for a child up to the age of 8 or 9. I am in the process of writing one for my son. Any help would be great.

Maria
Amaru's mom 1 year old ROBPI

I wrote a book for Maia but it's at a toddler level and it was specific about primary surgery - It's called the Magic Sparkles and I equate primary nerve grafting with the doctor putting magic sparkles in her arm to wake it up.

But about your son - I think you know best about how he needs to have the information presented... what have you said to your son so far? Just let it come from your heart and keep it simple.

My Mom always explained when happened to me. She told me the story millions of times and it's seems as if I always knew it. I'm 68 and I can't remember a time when I did not know about the doctors mistake and how my nerves were damaged and what a miracle it was that I learned to move and do so many things... I felt as if it was just our story... until I discovered how many children are injured on a regular basis.

Kath robpi/adult

Thanks for your statements. My son is only one but I know that one day he will ask me and I was trying to do something special for him. Thanks again

Maria

Something that parents often do with adoption, because the "life story" at the beginning is somewhat complicated (sound familiar??) is to make a "lifebook". There are many websites that you can upload both pictures and text and have a book created telling your child's beginning story. I need to get off my duff and make one for Noah, but now I realize it would be perfect to make one for Joshua as well. Neither one had particularily "simple" beginnings and it seems like a nice way to help tell your child's story to them.

Kate

My child is 8 and we just answer questions as they come up.


Message was edited by: AK1999

Kate,

I absolutely LOVE the life book idea! How cool is that???

Another suggestion from the adoption realm...

They say to tell your child his/her birth story from the very beginning. This is because, at least for adoptive parents, the "language" and some of the topics can be awkward for the parent, and so it is a good idea to "practice" before your child is old enough to actually understand what you are saying. Then, when they ARE older and comprehending, you "have it down" and it is easier to tell. (I'm coming from the perspective of explaining to your son or daughter that mommy left them on the street corner when they were 12 hours old... so these stories are not easy to tell!)

But the same thing applies to our childrens' births. It is a difficult story to tell, as well... especially as we were also traumatized by it. Joshua was literally born in the same place where I fed him and rocked him to sleep every night for the first 2 years of his life (he was born at home). I instinctively told him about his birth from the very beginning, because it was impossible not to think about it while sitting in that place. But I think it really helped me come to terms with his "story" in the process.

I haven't told him his story much recently... he really does need a lifebook!!

Kate