As a parent, I have to admit that I’ve swung my three children around by their arms more times than I can count. They’ve twirled in circles in the living room like sprinklers, reached up for me, and I’ve lifted them by their hands to carry them at the store. It’s a common playful act I’ve witnessed countless other parents partake in.
However, one day, my youngest daughter, Lily, who was just two at the time, approached me with her arm dangling limply at her side, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her older sister had tried to pull her onto the sofa by her arm, and I feared the worst—was she permanently injured? Fortunately, it turned out that she wasn’t critically hurt, but she did suffer from nursemaid’s elbow, a condition frequently caused by swinging children by their arms.
According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, “Nursemaid’s elbow occurs when the radius (one of the forearm bones) slips out of its normal position at the elbow joint. It’s a common issue among children under four years of age.” Essentially, for some kids, like Lily, their elbow joint can be loose, akin to a shoe with untied laces, making it easy for the joint to dislocate.
On the day Lily dislocated her elbow, I sat in the doctor’s office, watching as he tried three times to pop her arm back into place. Each attempt resulted in her cries, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was heart-wrenching to witness as a parent, and I’ll admit, it brought tears to my own eyes.
The risk of swinging children around by their arms is significant. Before this incident, I never considered how often I had spun Lily around without a second thought. Now, however, the potential for re-injury has become all too real; just last month, she tripped and injured herself again.
I advocate for rough-and-tumble play, as studies suggest it can positively influence children’s mental health, reducing anxiety disorders in adulthood. Yet, it’s crucial to engage in such play mindfully. Dr. Alex Thomas, an orthopedic specialist, emphasizes that while we can’t completely shield our children from risks, we can be more cautious during active play. “All their joints are still developing, and any undue pressure can have lasting consequences,” he warns.
Beyond the elbow, swinging a child by the arms can lead to complications with other joints too. I understand the temptation; when a child eagerly reaches up with a cute smile asking to be swung, it’s hard to refuse. Yet, after witnessing my child’s distress firsthand, I’ve learned to be more careful. I now pick her up under her armpits or cradle her gently under her back and knees, which may be a bit more taxing on my own back but is a safer option.
Additionally, when we’re out and about, I find it safer to use a harness and leash. This prevents Lily from tugging against my grip to reach something and possibly dislocating her arm again. While some may offer disapproving looks at the sight of a child on a leash, I prioritize her safety over others’ opinions.
If you’re one of those parents who enjoys swinging your child around by their arms, I completely understand the allure. However, after experiencing the challenges of nursemaid’s elbow, it’s become clear to me that it’s simply not worth the risk. So, when my child asks for a swing, I gently decline.
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In summary, while swinging your child by their arms may seem like harmless fun, the potential for injury, like nursemaid’s elbow, is significant. It’s important to engage in play that prioritizes their safety, ensuring they grow up healthy and happy.