Hand in a Splint,.. Not Sure What to Do

Are you kidding - hand in splint is the perfect reason to take it easy and call upon the kindness of family and friends. If you just can't stand to let the cleaning go ( and I understand how hard that can be) then ask those near and dear to you for help. This is the time to cash in on all those favors that you have done for others!!

Just take a deep breath, be patient, and don't worry about your house. The dirt will still be there when you're able to clean. And kids are resilient. It's wonderful that God made them that way. And yes, ask for help. From neighbors, friends, family, fellow moms. Hang in there - life is constantly changing, and good times will come.

M. B

Dont stress too much about your house right now, and this is a good chance to let your 4 year old try out big girl things (in a safe way) you observe as she does the things you cannot.

You'd be really surprised what a 4yo can do on her own. When my son was 3, I was pregnant and developed a blood clot in my leg. My doctor put me on bed rest for several days. My husband was deployed at the time so it was just me. My son made his own pb&j and got his own string cheese and yogurt snacks out of the fridge. You'll be able to stand there and tell her how to do things and she can do for herself. I bet she'd also like to help you clean. I turn my kids loose with microfiber cloths to dust and clean windows. Kids adapt well and they love to help.

I dont know what its like to go through something with my hand like that but I can tell you this.... Last October, my baby was 4 months old and my oldest was 30 months old. I got punched in the face and fell and broke my foot. I had to have 4 surgeries to correct it. I didn't walk for 8 months. I had to live with my mom for the majority of it so my husband could work. There were times that i would hold my little baby and literally scoot on my butt to get him to the tub to wash him up. I had to grasp his bottle in my mouth by the nipple and hop on crutches to the chair, the geton my hands and knees and crawl to him just to feed him. If I can do that, I'm sure you can figure something out. Do you have the help of family and friends? All I had was my mother thank GOD. She had to quit her job to take care of me, bless her soul! Just thank GOD that it is just a small fracture and not a missing hand. God works in mysterious ways and you just have to pray and have faith that you will it through this. You are strong and you can do this! I know that you can! Where do you live, maybe I can try and help out...

Hey there,

Just do whatever you have to do to get yourself and your kid through this temporary situation. Rent movies, order pizza or go get frozen ones. Just whatever you need to do to make things as simple as possible. Don't worry about the house for now. It might be tough, but it is definately in your long-term best interests to take it as easy as you can. Ask for help-- even if it means approaching neighbors you don't know. It takes strength-- not weakness-- to reach out. God bless you, and take care!

More ideas: take your daughter to the park, or to a movie. You can let her know that you need to take care of yourself right now, and them provide some fun things for her to do on her own. It will set a good example-- that it is important to taking care of oneself when we need it. That way, she'll learn to do the same, and when she's a Mama herself, she'll know that taking care of herself when she needs to is important.

The best I can tell you is call your friends or family to help out. I will say that if you don't follow the dr's orders on your hand, it will get worse and you will be down longer. Two weeks down is better than screwing up your hand and having to be splinted longer or maybe having surgery and being down for 6 weeks to 3 months. Remember this is temporary and you are not asking for anything from those that love you that you would not do for them. Your four year old can even help with diapers. You will have to supervise and help and buy her some amazing stickers to collect when she helps. Make it a game....even poopy diapers she can entertain the baby and help hold the feet while you do the dirty work. If you go to a church, call them and ask for help. Maybe a few meals that you can warm up would be helpful.

Been there done that due to a major car accident that required multiple surgeries so you can't despair, reach out and ask for help. I remember one time my bra clasp came undone and no one was around to help. I called my neighbor and she gladly came over and fixed it for me. It was a little embarrasing but it started a friendship I still have today and that was 17 years ago. Shoot, once someone fixes your bra it can't go anywhere but up, right?

I hope you get well soon but you won't if you keep using it.
C.

Letecia, my arm was broken in several places and I had a child in diapers. I know how you feel and it hurts very bad. If you can afford to just have someone come in and help you or if some of your family or friends could help you that is what you need. You also need to rest alot so you can heal properly. Let your daughter help you also. Explain how you feel to her and that you need her help. Be careful with the pain pills. God bless and hope you heal soon.

L.,

Sorry to hear about your hand. Injuries are very inconvenient with little children. My only thought is that you need to ask for help from someone nearby. Ask a neighbor, friend or church members to come in and just do the absolute necessities. If you need to, hire a girl temporarily to come in for a few hours a week. Maybe they could cut up some food for your daughter to put in the fridge, load the dishwasher, whatever you need until you are better.

I get REALLY sick when I am pregnant and don't like to ask for help, but I just have to swallow my pride and do it. Then, I have to remember that this is temporary and the carpet will survive not being vacuumed for a few weeks at a time and we won't die from eating frozen dinners off paper plates for a little while. Give yourself some slack and prioritize what really must be done and what can slide until you are better.

Best wishes,
S.