Children’s book launched to help deal with a parent’s serious injury

A staggering 58% of children of the estimated 4.8 million parents of carers living with serious injuries following an accident or medical negligence, experience major changes to their life following the injury, which can result in both
short and long-term mental health complications, according to new research.

Following a parent or carer’s injury, research by Fletchers Serious Injury shows that a child could experience upheaval such as missing time in education, moving to a new house to accommodate their parent’s condition, changing school, witnessing their parents separate or divorce, or even being forced to take on carer
responsibilities.

The research also highlights the emotional upheaval following a change in childcare, specifically for children who find themselves more often in the care of wider family members or neighbours, while their parent or carer recovers from a long-term injury – thus impacting on crucial family bonding time.

‘Bracky Builds a New Den’ is the tale of a happy dinosaur whose life is turned upside down when their father suffers a serious injury. Aimed at 5 to 8-year-old children living in similar circumstances, the book has been developed following a period of analysis and development, which included market research, tailored professional advice from therapists, and first-hand accounts from families and children who have experienced serious injury.

Aston spoke to child psychotherapist Charlotte Beaumont and Adrian Denson, chief legal officer at Fletchers Serious injury.

Photo by Nikoline Arns on Unsplash