5 Fun and Safe Activities for Kids with Broken Wrists

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Every year, millions of kids around the world suffer from broken bones. And while a broken bone may seem like a minor injury, it can be a big deal for a child. Not only is it painful, but it can also be frustrating and inconvenient, preventing kids from doing the things they love. For parents, the challenge is to keep their child entertained, especially when they're stuck in a cast. Luckily, you and your child can do plenty of fun activities together without damaging the cast or getting it wet.

This blog post will discuss five safe activities kids can enjoy with a broken wrist. These activities will help keep your child entertained and engaged while also helping them to recover from their injury. At the end of the article, we will introduce a revolutionary cast alternative that is changing the way doctors treat broken wrists in children. 

Taking Care of a Child in a Cast

The first few days after your child breaks a bone are crucial to rest, and it is important to keep your child calm and relaxed during this time. This is usually relatively easy to do, as broken bones can be quite painful, and your child will probably not want to move around too much. 

In these first few days, it is important to focus on pain management. This will help your child be comfortable and get the quality sleep necessary for healing. There are a few ways to reduce pain and inflammation. First, you can elevate the injured body part above the heart. You can also give your child over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can talk to your doctor about medications and prescribing stronger medication if the pain is severe. 

Activities to Avoid When Your Child Has a Broken Arm

When your child has a broken arm, it's important to take precautions to ensure that the injury heals properly. Here are a few activities that you'll need to avoid to protect their broken arm:

  • Avoid letting them play in playgrounds. The combination of climbing and jumping can put too much strain on the arm and lead to further injury. 
  • Riding a bike, scooter, and swimming are also off-limits as these activities could cause the cast to get wet or put undue strain on the healing bone. 
  • Certain crafts can be tricky as well since glitter, sand, and slime can all end up getting stuck inside the plaster or fiberglass cast. 
  • Football and other contact sports should also be avoided, as should running and jumping. If your child does need to keep playing with a cast, consult with their doctor to ensure that they can participate in physical activity safely. In addition, be sure to check with your local sports association for specific guidelines. For example, some devices may need to be wrapped in protective padding before your child can participate in contact sports.

Safe One Handed Activities for a Child With a Broken Arm

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Even though a broken arm can be painful and inconvenient, there's no need for kids to sit around and wait for it to heal. With a bit of creativity, they can still enjoy many of their favorite activities. 

  1. Art Projects

Art projects are a great way to stay creative and express yourself, and there are plenty of options that can be easily adapted to accommodate a child with a cast. 

Painting with watercolors, drawing, and coloring books can all be done with one hand, and many children find it to be an enjoyable way to pass the time. Pipe cleaners are also a versatile tool that can be used to create all sorts of shapes and figures, perfect for entertaining younger kids. Additionally, if your child is into Legos, this is a great activity to keep them occupied and allow them to use their imagination. Just be sure to avoid glitter, glue, or anything that could potentially get stuck in your child's cast.

  1. Board Games or Card Games

Board games and card games are a great way to pass the time, and they can also help kids improve their concentration and problem-solving skills. Some of our favorites include Monopoly, Scrabble, and Candyland. Or, if your child is looking for something a little more low-key, card games like Go Fish and War are perfect. These games can provide a fun and challenging way to engage the mind, and many can be played with just one hand. If your child is feeling competitive, you can even hold a family tournament to see who comes out on top.

  1. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids moving while encouraging them to use their imagination. To make the game more challenging, give them a list of items specific to their environments, such as finding a leaf bigger than their head or a rock shaped like a heart. Scavenger hunts are also an excellent opportunity for kids to learn more about their surroundings and explore new places. Best of all, they can be played indoors or outdoors, making them a perfect activity for a child with a broken arm.

  1. Photo Shoot 

Kids love to dress up and play pretend, so why not let them have a blast with a fun photo shoot? For this activity, all you need is a camera, some props, and your child with a broken arm. Start by helping your child dress up in their favorite costume. Then, set up the camera and let them loose! They can wear their best superhero outfit or strike a silly pose with their props. This is a great way to keep kids entertained while they recover from their injuries. Plus, you'll end up with some truly adorable and memorable photos that you'll cherish for years to come.

  1. Reading Together 

One activity you can do with your child is reading. You can take turns reading aloud to each other or look for audiobooks that you can listen to. This is a great way to bond and spend some quality time together. You can also use this time to talk about the book, characters, and plot. This can help your child better understand the story and connect to their own life. Reading together is a great activity for kids with a broken arm, and it's also a lot of fun.

Download our Free Activity Book

It can be difficult to keep a child entertained when they're stuck at home with a broken wrist. To help make the experience a little bit more fun, we've created a free activity book that your child can download and enjoy. The book is full of word searches, games, and coloring pages, all designed to help pass the time while your child is waiting for their wrist to heal.

The Best Waterproof Cast for a Child With a Broken Wrist

Cast21

As a parent, you want the best for your child. So when your little one breaks a bone, you naturally want to find a way to help them heal as quickly and comfortably as possible. You might be wondering if there is a cast that makes the healing journey easier for kids. The good news is that there is! Cast21 is an alternative orthopedic casting system specifically designed with kids in mind. The lightweight, breathable design helps to keep kids cool and comfortable. It is also easy to keep clean, as the material won't absorb dirt or bacteria. Plus, the fun colors help to make the waterproof cast alternative an exciting accessory rather than a dreaded necessity. If your child has a broken wrist, ask your doctor about Cast21 or contact us for more information. 

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