Advice - Kids, accidents and TV?

[LouisaWells]

Hi,

I'm hoping that some of you knowledgable mumsnetters will be able to help me with some advice...

Over Christmas my brother, his wife, and 3 kids were involved in a fairly nasty car accident. They have all managed, amazingly, to come out alive but among other injuries my 1 yr old nephew has suffered a number of fractures to his spine, and as a result is going to be spending the next 3 months in a halo head brace.
I'm actually not too worried about him as he's the most chilled out baby in the world and will be throughly entertained by the ceiling, but his 4 yr old brother is a sensitive kid, he's already suffering pretty severe shock from the accident and there is a worry that seeing his baby brother, who he adores, in this brace is going to affect him badly.

So, I have had the conversation that before baby bro comes home, it might be helpful if big bro (and less sensitive big sis) have witnessed something similar in the form of a tv show or kids movie so it's not introduced in a super scary teaching way, but it's still not alien to them.

Does anyone know of any 4 yr old friendly show/book/movie where a character has anything similar?

Thanks.

x

Huge sympathy to your family. I imagine they must all be in shock with the turmoil of emotions that brings.

Kids will follow what they see grown-ups do. No doubt it will be scary for you to see baby in a halo...but hospital wont let him out unless it's secure and safe for the mild rough-and-tumble of home.

A quick google brought this blog by a girl who wore one.
Also this picture of a baby post-op.

This references a photo-book but looks like its something that the hospital may have put together themselves....could you do that?

I'm presuming they are in a general hospital rather than a children's hospital? I would phone your local children's hospital and ask to speak to one of the play specialists there who may be able to help you out with some resources or books. Best wishes for your family's recovery.