How do you feel when your DC injure themselves?

[Rainallnight]

DS, 7, had a bad fall off his scooter today. Came down a very steep hill, and his wheel hit a dip or stone or something and the scooter went flying and he hit the ground.

Thank God, he was wearing a helmet. He had cuts and bruises and was very upset but ultimately fine.

I had this really weird reaction. I felt totally winded, and my mouth was filled with this horrible metallic taste. And then I got a headache!

I obviously was totally together for DS, looked after him, cuddles, plasters etc.

But it’s not the first time I’ve been really rattled when one of the DC have hurt themselves. I’ve never asked anyone this before but what’s your reaction when your DC get hurt?

My instant reaction is that I wish it was me that was hurt instead of them.

If we're talking physical reaction, it's not happened as much now they're older but when my kids hurt themselves I used to get a weird pain down the back of both my legs looking at the injury or even talking about it.

I get a physical pain - like I really feel like I’ve been hurt. It’s instant. Unlike a real injury it then fades after seconds, and I’m just filled with concern etc but it’s an immediate feeling of pain, like someone has kicked me in the stomach.

I sometimes get it as sensation run through me- like leaving me with goosebumps- just when I fear an injury.