Unfortunately, head traumas are all too common in children today, and most of those are related to athletic injuries. The CDC has recently reported that as many as approximately 7% of all kids had reportedly experienced some type of head injury. As stated already, participation in sports is the most common source of these injuries, and many of them are sustained during practice. Too many children tend to be casual about practice and fail to wear the proper safety equipment. This includes head protection, which can prevent many of the problems discussed here. Helmets simply aren't utilized often enough, and as adults, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that kids wear them routinely whenever they are engaged in a sport that calls for this type of gear. That includes during practice.

Habit

There is a reason why we always tell our kids to brush their teeth or clean up their rooms. It helps create a foundation of good habits that will benefit them and last into their adulthoods. That's why we should also make sure that they are always wearing their helmets, even during practice. It will instill in them a routine of safety that will serve them well, and it will ensure that this behavior is thought of as normal.

Concussions

A concussion is a mild to major traumatic brain injury that occurs when there is a blow to the head. These are serious traumas that can cause long-term pain, cognitive dysfunction and memory problems; however, they can be largely prevented by helmets. Unfortunately, even under the most watchful eye, accidents can happen. It's recommended that you take children to a doctor for any head injury. This can avoid any lingering doubt about the severity of the trauma and ensure that any concussive symptoms and effects are dealt with right away.

Be Just as Careful During Practice

"But it's only practice! It doesn't matter if I wear a helmet!" If you hear this argument from your young athlete, the response should be obvious. The skull doesn't differentiate whether it sustained a severe blow during a formal or informal activity, and the brain could be seriously injured either way. Consequently, a child should wear a helmet any time there's a risk.

Head injuries are serious and potentially deadly, but they are often preventable. As the guardians of our children, it is our job to keep them as safe as possible. That means wearing a helmet whether participating in practice or a game.

Here is another article you may like: 3 Signs Your Kid's Coach Is the Right Fit