How to get back to normal after an infant has had a traumatic experience??

Question

Hi everyone,

My nephew has just been through a traumatic experience... he was out with his Dad last week visiting family and my nephew (14 mths) got close enough to the gas heater to grab it (yes it was on). He received 2nd degree burns to his hand and now has the dressing changed every day.

However, since then, his Mum and Dad have had such a hard time - the poor boy now wakes up screaming in the middle of night and doesn't stop till they give him a bottle, he's really grumpy during the day, never likes his Mum out of his sight - and he won't go to his Dad.

I have advised that he's gone through something really traumatic so might just need time. Has anyone ever gone through anything like this? Or have any ideas on how to help him be happy again? He was a real happy gorgeous little boy... but he's changed so much. It's early days we know, but there must be something we can do to help.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

My best guess is that your poor nephew is very uncomfortable and scared. I think the best thing that your sister can do for him is cuddle, cuddle, cuddle. His sense of adventure has probably been stunted for a little while- right now he wants what is familiar. I hope he feels better soon!

Answer 2

Cuddle and love him but act normal is the key. Don't change routines or the way things are done. Be happy and encourage him to be happy through play. The more normal things seem for him the safer he will feel and that things are okay. If you are constantly seeing if he is okay and treating him special he will feel there is a need for that fear, that he should be more afraid. Through time he will begin to feel safe in that normalacy and now things are okay -Good luck, sorry that happened

Answer 3

awwww thats soo sad. But really they should just try to get things back to normal, do the thing they did before the accident, if u get him back in the routine of things he might feel like nothing is wrong. or take him to experance new things that are fun that he would like. And really just try to comfort him hes been through a lot and you know that, just try to help him and when ever he is healed he will prob forget bout the whole thing. Hope he starts to feel better!! Good luck!