1.8 million workers in the United States experienced work-related ill health or injury (new or longstanding) between 2021-2022, up 5.8% from last year. If you’ve sustained a workplace injury, providing your child with plenty of love and reassurance is important to help them adjust to this sudden life change.
Sustaining an injury can be a challenging time for parents and children alike, while the change in routine can also naturally cause children to feel worried and upset.
A study by the University of Washington reveals that children with injured parents are likelier to experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms than those with uninjured parents. Here are three parenting tips while recovering from a work injury.
1. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation typically covers medical bills and lost income, which can provide financial peace of mind while you focus on your recovery and parental responsibility. Specific rules regarding workers’ compensation vary from state to state.
So it’s important to check the details in your local area. For example, in California, you can receive temporary disability benefits for up to 104 weeks. You’re eligible for two-thirds of benefits if you usually earn over $346.43 weekly.
However, in Texas, the difference between your average weekly wage and how much you earn post-injury is calculated. You may be eligible for benefits amounting to 75% of that difference.
2. Ensure Open Lines of Communication
An injured parent can be upsetting and confusing for children – kids typically have wild imaginations, and it’s easy for them to perceive the situation as worse than it is.
So, talk to your child and let them know what’s going on in style appropriate for their age. Remember, no matter how mature your child seems. It’s never a good idea to burden them with your emotions – seek professional help.
Enabling open lines of communication can also help your child feel comfortable sharing their emotions with you, both positive and negative. In addition to or instead of conversation, your child may prefer to open up through other means, such as drawing or reciting a story.
Either way, actively listen, ask questions, and provide comfort and support as needed.
3. Adapt your Routine
With an injury, you likely won’t be able to do everything you used to for your child. So, ask family and/or close friends to help while explaining the situation to your child.
With help, you’ll have an easier time maintaining the usual routine, which can provide an important sense of normalcy. Your child may also want to help with your care – whether bringing a fresh bandage or a cup of water for your meds.
So, accept this help and provide plenty of enthusiasm and encouragement. Sustaining an injury at work can drastically disrupt life for parents and children.
By filing a workers’ compensation claim, communicating openly, and adapting your routine, you can help your child adjust healthily while reassuring them you will get better.
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