Health Issues Common In Women

4 Tips to Help Your Child Adapt to Their New Prosthesis

16 September 2015 by admin

Whether your child requires a prosthetic limb due to a congenital abnormality or due to a traumatic injury or illness, there will be challenges that will need to be overcome. Some of those challenges may involve battles over when to wear the prosthesis. Here are some tips that will help you encourage your child to wear their prosthesis.

Use a Reward System

When you were trying to potty train your child, you may have employed a reward system. That same reward system can work when you're trying to get them to wear their prosthesis. Sticker charts are a great way to track progress.

Reward your child with a sticker each time they wear their prosthesis without arguing. Once they've collected a pre-determined number of stickers, reward them with a treat. This will help them learn through positive reinforcement.

Allow Play Time Exploration

Young children learn through exploring the world around them. If your child is having a hard time adapting to their new prosthesis, allow them to play with it. Perhaps they may want to put it on a doll or stuffed animal. Once they've practiced putting their prosthesis on their toys, you can encourage them to try putting it on themselves.

Be Willing to Compromise

If it's becoming a constant battle to get your child to wear their prosthesis, try choosing your battles. Give them the opportunity to win a battle once in a while. For instance, if they're going to be in the house, allow them to say no to the prosthesis. Once they see that you're willing to give them a choice from time to time, they'll be more willing to wear it when it's most important.

Enlist a Role Model

If you've tried everything and your child is still battling you over the prosthesis, try finding a role model for them. Your child's doctor may be able to put you in contact with an older child that also wears a prosthesis. Providing your child with someone they can relate to may make it easier for them to adapt to their new prosthesis.

Children are resilient but that doesn't mean they will always adapt easily to changes, especially if those changes include prosthetic limbs. It's important to remember that children will adapt at their own pace. These simple tips will help your child adjust to their new prosthesis. For more assistance, talk to a prosthetic service professional.

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