Let’s be honest for a moment: I’ve swung all three of my kids by their arms. I’ve twirled them around our living room like they’re sprinklers in the summer. I’ve lifted them up by their hands to carry them around the store. I’ve done it countless times, mostly in fun. I’ve witnessed many other parents doing the same.
However, when my youngest daughter, Charlie, who was just two years old at the time, approached me with her arm hanging limply and tears streaming down her cheeks after her older sister tried to pull her onto the couch, I panicked. I thought for sure she was seriously hurt. Thankfully, it turned out she wasn’t permanently damaged but had developed what’s known as nursemaid’s elbow — a common injury often caused by swinging kids by their arms.
According to Boston Children’s Hospital, nursemaid’s elbow happens when the radius bone slips out of its normal position in the elbow joint. This condition is particularly prevalent in children under the age of four. Essentially, for some kids, like Charlie, their elbow joints can behave like a shoe with untied laces, easily slipping out of place.
On the day Charlie dislocated her elbow (the first of many trips to the doctor), I sat helplessly beside the doctor as he attempted to reposition her arm three times. Each time she cried out in pain, and each time I felt my heart break a little more. I might consider myself a tough guy, but witnessing my little girl in agony while a doctor worked to fix her joint was a sight that brought tears to my eyes.
This is the real danger of swinging children by their arms. Even though I’ve swung Charlie around countless times before her injury, it only took one incident for it to happen. In fact, just last month, she tripped and managed to do it again on her own.
Now, I want to clarify that I’m an advocate for active, rough play. Studies indicate that this type of play can be beneficial for children’s mental health, reducing the likelihood of anxiety disorders later in life. However, it’s crucial to engage in this play thoughtfully.
Dr. Ethan Thompson, an orthopedic surgeon, states, “While you shouldn’t wrap your kids in cotton wool, it’s important to be cautious during roughhousing. Their joints are still developing, and excessive pressure can lead to issues.” Beyond the elbow, swinging a child by their arms can lead to problems with other joints too.
I understand the temptation. When your child reaches up with a bright smile, asking to be swung around, it’s hard to resist. But after seeing the painful consequences of nursemaid’s elbow firsthand, I now handle Charlie with a lot more care.
There are safer ways to lift and play with your child, such as picking them up under their armpits or cradling them beneath their back and knees. While this might strain your lower back a bit, it’s a trade-off worth considering. I also use a harness and leash when we’re out, as it prevents her from tugging away and pulling her arm out of its socket.
Sure, I get some disapproving looks for using a leash, but my priority is keeping Charlie safe from wandering off and avoiding any more incidents with her arm.
If you’re one of those parents who enjoys swinging your child by their arms, I get it. I’ve been there. But after experiencing the repercussions of such play, saying “no” has become much easier.
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Summary
Swinging kids by the arms might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious injuries like nursemaid’s elbow. As a parent, it’s vital to engage in rough play carefully and explore safer alternatives for lifting and playing with your children.
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