Children are tough little creatures, but when they fall, they fall hard. Two weeks ago Kallista was running at top speed pretending to be a bubble (her dress was a bubble print and she was being imaginative, just like children love to be). Unfortunately, she’s going through a growth spurt and her brain hasn’t yet caught up with her feet and she fell head over foot, her little face bouncing off the tarmac. Her bubble burst and she was in tears.
Her little face, forehead, and knee were all skinned and she was upset (rightly so)!
The first thing Tristan and I did was to make sure she didn’t have any broken bones and have a look at her knee and her face. I carried her over to a nearby bench and sat her down. I unzipped my always-present backpack and pulled out a tissue for Kallista’s tears and the first aid kit.
A first aid kit is essential to have with you when you look after children, but there’s one one thing it can’t (usually) do: calm a child.
Ways to Soothe an Injured Child:
- Stay calm! If you panic, the child will also panic and think things are worse than they are. Even if things are bad, keep yourself calm so you can have a clear head.
- Give the child lots of reassurance.
- I highly recommend that anyone who spends time with children should have training in emergency first aid. It gives you the reassurance that you’ll know what to do, and this knowledge helps you to keep a calm and cool head.
- If it’s possible, give the child cuddles. Love and cuddles go a long way to help someone calm down. They’ll feel protected and their breathing and heart rate will slow to mimic yours. (Think kangaroo care in neo-natal units)
- Distraction is a great tactic! Point out something strange, ask if that was a purple camel that just flew past, what’s for dinner, etc.
- Relate to them, tell them a story about when something similar happened to you. What did you do? What was the outcome?
- Humour is always good in a ‘serious’ situation. If you know any jokes, or can find something to be ‘punny’ about, do it! Tristan and I told Kallista she was a walking science lesson…we talked about the layers of skin and about the different blood cells and what they do. Now she wants to learn more about blood!
- I carry special stickers in my wallet to reward good behaviour in tough situations, or for occasions like this. On this day I also let Kallista choose a treat of her choice from the village. (Even given the option of a small candy, she chose a cheesy bun from our local bakery).
- When you patch up your ‘patient’, let them help if they want to. This gives them a sense of control over the situation. On this day Kallista chose the plaster (band-aid to folks from North America) and Tristan helped to apply it. This made Tristan feel like he was helping, and Kallista felt more ‘loved’.
- Be prepared. Carry a first aid kit. They don’t have to be big or fancy. A zip-top bag would do in a pinch. And be sure to have it stocked with a variety of plasters.
The day after Kallista’s fall I received an email asking if we’d like to try out some Dermocare plasters. These plasters are uber-cool! They come in 2 varieties: ‘Ocean Life‘ and ‘Safari‘. And each box contains 18 plasters in 3 different sizes and 9 different ‘real-life’ pictures.
Even cooler than the plaster pictures themselves, is that with each purchase, you’re supporting the projects of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). You know that we love nature, and we like to do what we can to preserve it.
How do these plasters work? It didn’t take us long to find out! Kallista had paper cut that was giving her trouble and she didn’t want to practice her handwriting. I asked if a plaster would help, and she brightened up. She chose an Ocean Life plaster with a picture of a clown fish on it (she said it was Nemo’s dad!). The backing of the plaster packets are clear so that you can clearly see the pictures.
Now she was ready to continue on with her lessons! Perhaps a first aid kid can soothe an injured child.
I’d love to hear how you soothe your children when they’re hurt, let me know in the comments below.
Where can you get these WWF plasters?
- Ocado
- Amazon
- WWF shop
WWF is building a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. This is in the interest of nature, but also in the interests of man. WWF works in over 90 countries in projects in the fields of animals & plants, forests, climate, water, oceans and coasts.

LB Present says
These really are ways to soothe Baby Boy…we generally opt for lots of cuddles, kisses, reassuring words, and calm. Thankfully, to date, he’s not really been injured too badly or required medical attention. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for if those times arise. 🙂
Crystal McClean says
Yes, fingers crossed! It’s awful to see our little ones in pain, and I also hope the day doesn’t come when we need a trip to the hospital. It sounds like you provide just the right things for your boy.
Lena B says
such pretty bandages! I love all the colors and character options
Crystal McClean says
They could add to a wardrobe and be stylish as well as functional!
In a bad mood – shark teeth could be the patch of the day.
Feeling funny – perhaps a little ape face?
Homemade for Elle says
Awe, poor thing. I am glad she seems to have healed completely! Thanks for all of the great tips! I always have a first aid kit in my car, just in case. It is always great to be prepared, especially when you have little ones 🙂
Crystal McClean says
It seems you’re never far from a first aid kit with kids! I used to have one in the stroller…but now it’s moved to a little larger kit for the car. We have some of these plasters set aside to add to it (Kallista divided them up so every kit would have them)!
JaniceTrinh | GatheringGraces says
It always amazes me how kids think that bandaids take the hurt away… lol. But yes, band-aids are magic, and hugs and kisses are the special ingredients that make wounds heal so much faster!
Sometimes though, when they’ve been through like a dozen band-aids in one day (because it keeps falling off for many, many ridiculous reasons), i just tell them, “let it have some air so it can heal.” And you know, it works. Even for my 10 year old… so far anyway! 😉
Crystal McClean says
Two years ago Kallista wouldn’t allow a band-aid to go near her! And you’re right, it’s amazing how many ways a band-aid can fall off!
anne @ Learningtable says
Poor baby! She’s a real trooper–and that smile is precious to see after her mishap. I keep special bandages on hand for my son’s boo-boos, and they really help, like magic, most of the time. These wildlife bandages are so cute!
Crystal McClean says
The magic of bandaids and mommy’s love are immense!
Carolyn Wilhelm says
When a kiss doesn’t fix it, a bandaid is certain to help, and these are adorable, nice to know about, thanks!
Crystal McClean says
Bandaids certainly help with distraction, especially when there are so many to choose from.