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Swinging Kids by Their Arms: A Dangerous Game
We all have our go-to moves for having fun with our little ones. Tickling, making silly faces, and, if there’s enough space, occasionally picking them up and swinging them by their arms. It usually results in laughter all around, but what many parents may not realize is that this seemingly innocent activity can actually pose serious risks to your child’s health.
In a recent post on a parenting blog, writer Lisa Reynolds shared a concerning incident involving her daughter after a family friend swung her around by the arms while they were waiting in line to see Santa. At first, everything seemed fine until the little girl tried to move her arm. Suddenly, she was wailing, “I CAN’T MOVE MY ARM!” Her distress drew the attention of everyone in line. Unfortunately, a trip to the emergency room revealed that swinging her arms had dislocated her elbow, a condition known as “nursemaid’s elbow.”
The doctor explained that this type of injury is quite common in younger children because their bones and ligaments are still developing. A quick search online reveals numerous videos demonstrating how to fix this type of dislocation, but honestly, that’s probably best left to a medical professional. Instead, raising awareness about the risks involved with swinging kids by their arms can help prevent these injuries before they happen.
According to KidsHealth.org, nursemaid’s elbow typically occurs in children aged one to four and can result from swinging, jerking, or pulling a child by their arms. In some cases, the ligament can even tear, leading to more serious injuries. The best way to avoid this risk? Simply stop pulling on your child’s arms altogether. While it might take away some fun when they beg for a swing, it could save you a trip to the ER or a risky DIY elbow adjustment.
As parents, we face new challenges and risks every day. It’s just part of the journey. Knowing the potential hazards, like swinging a child by their arms, can help us keep our little ones safe. Instead of turning playtime into a potential trip to the doctor, why not leave the swinging to the actual swings?
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Summary
Swinging kids by their arms may seem like harmless fun, but it can lead to serious injuries such as dislocated elbows. This common condition, especially in younger children, can be avoided by refraining from pulling on their arms. Instead, let’s keep playtime safe and save the swinging for the playground.