Raising a child with a bleeding disorder can be very scary when they are young. As a parent with no family history, I had no idea what to expect. When Tyler started walking at 9 months, I went into a panic. How could I keep him safe? What if he hits his head or falls on the tile floor? How will I know if he’s bleeding internally? I was a nervous wreck. Looking back, I realize that during this phase, everyone needs to do whatever will help them feel like they have some sense of control over the situation; for me, it was bubble wrap.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, brilliant! What an amazing idea. I seriously thought I had found the perfect tool to make my home safe. I even shared my grand idea at our local Arizona Hemophilia Association’s family events. I’m sure they thought I was nuts. I was so desperate to keep him safe. I literally bubble wrapped every wall corner, piece of wood on furniture, and even certain sections of the wall deemed “possibly problematic”. I went on a wrapping frenzy. The house looked ridiculous, but I felt like I had taken back some control. Very quickly, Tyler discovered the joys of popping the bubbles on the bubble wrap. He even would run and throw himself against the wall to get lots of pops at once. Suddenly, I was not so brilliant, and Tyler foiled another plan of mine to help me sleep at night. I guess there isn’t a perfect solution, certainly not bubble wrap.
It’s hard feeling so scared and unsure about everything. Over the years, I’ve heard stories from other parents about what they did to keep their children safe. Surprisingly, none as crazy as my bubble wrapping. But if I was to say one thing to the new parents who are struggling during the toddler years is this, it will get easier. You can’t prevent them from acting like a rambunctious toddler, this I know first hand. Just use good common sense, and prophylaxis if possible, and you’ll be okay. For inhibitor families like us who couldn’t do prophylactic treatments, it’s no doubt scarier, but hang in there. I’m sure you’re doing great! Believe in yourselves, and remember, bubble wrap is not the solution.
Blogging about Bleeding Disorders 