Mindee with broken arm

[LingDiLong]

One of the 3 year olds I look after has broken their arm this weekend. He's apparently not in too much pain thankfully. I'm a bit worried about how I'm going to look after the arm while still needing to find activities for the other 4 or 5 kids I'll be looking after. I'm assuming anything involving water will be out, soft play won't be any good for him I'm guessing as he won't be able to climb and I assume will need to be careful about knocking it.

So do I just get on with my normal activities for the sake of the other kids and make him sit out anything that could harm his arm? Or do I avoid anything that he can't join in with? Either option seems unfair, what would other childminders do?

Poor thing. Definitely rule out water or soft play - the latter I'd worry he'll try too hard and risk injuring himself further.

I'd fill the day with activities he can participate in - art, coloring, sand play, building toys, music. Make up some discovery boxes.

What are the ages of the others? With five kids, do you have an assistant?

Should be fine to go to the playground, walk in the woods, visit a museum. Some adapting may be needed (such as at playground) to avoid further injury but there will be things he can still do.

To a certain extent you need to carry on as normal as you are a cm and have other children's needs to consider - unlike a nanny

And the mum of child should reliese and understand this

We took a seven year old beaver to camp with his arm in plaster. He self regulated himself with activities but we did have to say no to the high wire!
Check with his mum re pain meds as if he's just broken it he may need pain relief on a regular basis.

Thanks all, no assistant as most of the others are primary school age. I have some nice craft and baking activities planned for today which he should be able to join in with. Our local museum is a bit rubbish but just checked my planner and there are some activities on at a castle nearby and the local library. Phew. Feel less panicky now! The younger kids are easily occupied but the older ones need to be out and about more. The parents of the little boy are great and would understand me just getting on with things but the little boy HATES being left out of anything so I want to avoid him having to watch from the sidelines iyswim

I can't see this little one self regulating friday! He would be rolling around having a massive tantrum about being denied the high wire! That's kind of what worries me about the park, he won't like being told to keep off stuff other kids are using

I've taken children with broken limbs to the park. Just keep an eye open and you'll be surprised what they can do. Mealtimes were when they needed the most help.

Agree with avoiding water and it depends on your soft play. If it's a small quiet one ok, but if it's a typical school holiday free for all then no.

They might have put a waterproof cast on! I taught a child last year who broke his arm and carried on his swimming as it was a waterproof cast.

I agree a seven year old is a totally different ballgame to a 3 year old re self regulating. They just don't make the connection "if I jolt my arm too much it's going to hurt" at three.

Thanks again! He's not in any pain and it doesn't seem to be holding him back at all so it's been business as usual apart from water/wet messy play. My daughter is gutted - she had big plans for mothering and looking after him, seen as she's a whole year older than he is