Very active nephew (7yrs) has broken arm and needs distraction - what?!

[DuchessOfAvon]

My nephew has a nasty break - the plaster is up over the elbow and the hand is set upwards so he really is one-handed for the next 6-8 weeks. Luckily its his stronger hand that is free. He's a very physical and active kid so my sister is a bit at having to come up with activities for that length of time.

I'm wracking my brains for stuff to send to help out. SO far, I am up to Sticky Mosaics, story CDs and I will ask her what books he is into. But I think he (and she) need things that he can DO as much as possible.

Any bright ideas?! Please?

When my DS broke his arm, after the first couple of days when the pain began to subside, he was really back to fairly normal activities. Kids easily adapt. Was able to kick a ball about (although restricted full games due to fear of injuring other kids with the cast!) If he has his strong arm free, how about swingball?
Presumably he will be at school except for the Easter holidays?

From what she said, the issue is that the arm has been set at a really awkward angle and its a very heavy cast so he'll tire quite quickly. ANd yes, he will try his best to run around, knowing him.

He will be at school but they live overseas so I am hazy about holidays.....

I'll suggest swing ball to her. They live on a steep hill but might be able to take one down the the beach for him.

Do they have one of those computer games that are a bit more active - Wii etc? So he can play virtual tennis, snowboarding, etc but flop onto sofa when knackered? If so you could send him a new game perhaps.

My DC are 6 & 8 and would be entertained one handedly with... jigsaws, drawing stuff, Tech Deck finger skateboards (= cool auntie points), Hama beads, Sploder.com, board games, face and body painting (themselves in mirror, and any nearby volunteers), taking photos.

Hope this helps and that he mends quickly!

My DSs arm was set in a bent position. He wore it in a sling when moving around. It didn't seem to slow him down
However, I would probably keep away from the beach

• boys do not understand 'keep out of the water'
• sand down your plaster cast would be very, very uncomfortable

DS broke his elbow just after Christmas It didn't stop him from doing things, and it was his arm/hand he used all the time.

Has you DN got a collar and cuff to help with the weight.

Unfortunately DS was only 3 so a bit harder to explain why he shouldn't be climbing.