When my son fell off the monkey bars at school just before the summer break it was a terrifying experience.  He broke 2 bones in his wrist and was admitted to the trauma unit at our local hospital.  Luckily, he did not need surgery but the heal time was estimated at approximately 8 weeks.  He started out in a full arm plaster cast, then a full arm fiberglass cast.  Just recently his cast was cut down to forearm length which makes things a lot easier.

We are now at 8 weeks and have a couple more weeks to go before the Doctor thinks we can take the cast off.  My son has had to endure the entire summer holiday in a cast, and for most of it in a full arm cast!  Here are my tips for surviving the summer holiday with a child in a cast.

1. Blow Dryer

When my son first had his cast put on he had unbearable itching.  I would feel so sad for him as he cried.  The hospital had suggested that we use a blow dryer on cool setting and point it down into the cast as best as we could.  I did this as well as “knocking” or “tapping” with my fingers in the area of the itch.  This seemed to work for my son. Shop Hair Dryers and Accessories

2. Plastic Cast Protector

I ordered an Adult full arm cast protector from Amazon . My son is 10 and is a big kid so we went with the adult size. This one worked well for us for baths and beach days.  I wouldn’t suggest it for submerging completely under water, but it works well for keeping dry from splashes.  I liked this one because it covered his whole arm well and was fitted to stop from sliding down.  It’s very easy to put on, and it came with 2 in the box which is great to have extra.

3. Pool/Beach Float

I went shopping right away for a comfy chair beach float with a headrest and arm rests.  We found one locally that was inexpensive and works well.  It’s easy to get in an out of (with the assistance of me).  The float allows my son to participate in pool/beach days with his body getting wet but his arm staying dry.  Don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses for floating! Huge Selection of Pool Floats on Amazon

4. Larger T-Shirts

You may need to buy some larger shirts.  It is tricky getting the t-shirt sleeve over the cast and up the arm. Shop Mens T-Shirts on Amazon.

5. Bath Time

My son is older and only took showers before he broke his wrist.  This was the hardest thing for him to adjust to.  He didn’t want me to have to bathe him.  Once he accepted it we got into a routine and it went smoothly and still does.  Bathing when he was in a full arm cast is different then how we have done it with a shorter cast.  The difference is how we wash his fingers in the cast hand.  With the full arm cast we would wash his fingers in a bowl of soapy water gently washing between the stinky fingers.  The reason we did it in a bowl is because he was unable to bend and move the arm around enough to get it in the bath water to clean.  In the short cast he’s able to take his plastic cast protector off in the bath and wash his fingers in the bath water.  Much easier!  For cleaning his hair, we wash it in the kitchen sink.  I find it much easier than trying to maneuver in the bathtub.  Baby wipes are great to keep on hand for cleaning the cast fingers as they can get pretty gross.

6. Boredom

Not being able to ride his bike or scooter has been a hard adjustment this summer.  I encourage my son daily to go outside and get fresh air.  Whether we take a walk or kick a ball, it’s important to get outside.  I have been encouraging board games or crafts to help alleviate boredom.   There are obviously limits as to what he can do.  There is a lot of TV watching and iPad usage this summer and I am OK with that! Best Sellers in Toys and Games . Best Sellers in Video Games

7. Flip Flops or Sandals

These were a must for our house.  Makes it so easy to come and go without having to tie shoe laces or squeeze a foot into a shoe. Shop flip flops

8. Follow Doctors Orders and Stay Positive!

My son was in the most pain at the beginning.  For pain management follow your doctor’s orders. It’s an awful time but it won’t last forever.  I have managed to stay positive and uplifting to make sure my son never worries and to make sure he has the best summer he can in the circumstances.