Essex parent calls for more resources to help talk to children about serious injuries
It comes after he was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2016
Over 80% of parents believe it’s important for their children to understand subjects like life changing injuries, visible disabilities, wheelchair users, mental health and bereavement, but over a third avoid discussing them due to worries they'll say the wrong thing or overwhelm the child.
That's according to new research from Fletchers Solicitors who are looking to tackle this problem and help parents and teachers talk openly about these topics with primary school-aged children.
To do this, they've created a picture book called 'Bracky Builds a New Den’, which they say "explores the practical and emotional changes a family might face following a serious injury" in an age-appropriate manner.
The book was developed using professional advice from therapists, and first-hand accounts from families and children who have experienced serious injury.
They're now hoping to get the book into primary schools across the country.
Tony Filbert, 41, from Colchester, was involved in a motorbike accident six years ago which left him with nerve damage and injuries to his legs, wrists and arms which he had to explain to his six children, now aged 6-20.
He wishes the book was around after his accident: "I think as a parent, teacher, or anyone trying to support young people through an accident like mine, reading the book, it'll bring up things you wouldn't necessarily think about... it would have been very, very useful."
He was direct in his approach, not shying away from talking to the kids about his injuries: "I was honest with them, there wasn't much I could hide.
"I had a stick, my arm in a sling - it was obvious what was going on so I just tried to be open and honest with them about it."
Whilst he was always upfront with his children, he was just trusting his gut - a lack of guidance when he needed it most is why he now wants books like 'Bracky Builds a New Den’, available in schools to help parents who find themselves in his situation: "There need to be more resources available.
"I'm hoping this will be the start of something bigger and we'll get more books and more support for people in this situation because it just comes out of the blue.
"There's no preparation for it and you can't plan for it, it just happens, and when it happens, it knocks you sideways. As a parent, you don't know what to do."