Redditor Shares Her Story Of Spending An Entire Day With A Broken Arm Because Her Mom Didn't Believe Her

This is the story of how a broken arm, an unusually high pain tolerance, and a determined nine-year-old led to a surprising twist involving pizza.

The protagonists of this tale are OP, a spirited nine-year-old at the time, and her seven-year-old brother. The stage? Their kitchen counter, which, for reasons only known to kids, seemed like the perfect battleground for a Cheez-It dispute.

As they tugged and jostled for control of the coveted cracker box, the younger brother, in an attempt to gain the upper hand, made a fateful decision: he decided to push his sister off the counter.

OP hit the ground with a resounding thud, landing squarely on her right arm. The force of the fall left her convinced that her arm was broken, but surprisingly, she felt very little pain. It turns out she had developed an impressively high pain tolerance from her spirited childhood adventures.

Knowing her arm was broken, she decided to take matters into her own hands and approached her mother, who was dealing with the discomforts of a late-stage pregnancy. She calmly informed her mother of the situation, telling her that she needed to go to the hospital because her arm was broken.

Her mother, understandably preoccupied and perhaps a tad skeptical, brushed her off.

Undeterred, OP soldiered on throughout the day despite her obvious discomfort. She watched TV, using her other arm to support the injured one, and even tried her hand at operating a swing.

The turning point came when she needed her mother's assistance to unbutton her jeans for a bathroom break. At this moment, her mother, who had been growing increasingly frustrated with her claims, snapped. She agreed to take her daughter to the doctor but with a series of vivid threats that would make any child's imagination run wild.

Upon their arrival, the nurses seemed skeptical but opted for an X-ray to "humor" OP. The result? A complete forearm break confirmed her initial diagnosis. Her mother felt a mix of relief and regret for doubting her daughter's insistence.

OP was just 9 years old when she got into a fight with her younger brother over a box of crackers

u/Certain_Macaroon3602

OP's brother pushed her off the counter, causing her to land on her arm

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OP calmly strolled up to her mom and told her that her arm was broken and that she needed to see a doctor

u/Certain_Macaroon3602

Understanding Childhood Trauma and Its Impacts

Childhood experiences shape our emotional responses and coping strategies throughout life. Research highlights that children often develop maladaptive coping mechanisms when their emotional needs are dismissed or invalidated by caregivers. According to Dr. John Bowlby, a pioneer in attachment theory, the way a parent responds to a child's distress can significantly influence the child's future emotional health. If a child learns that their pain isn't acknowledged, they may struggle with expressing vulnerability in adult relationships.

In OP's case, her mother's disbelief likely created a foundation of mistrust in her ability to communicate pain effectively. This experience can lead to long-term issues in self-advocacy and emotional regulation, as the child learns to suppress feelings instead of expressing them.

OP's mom didn't want to hear any of it, thinking that OP was just pretending

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After OP spent the entire day without using her arm, the mom finally snapped and took her to the hospital

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Even the nurse at the hospital didn't believe OP's arm was broken

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A clinical psychologist specializing in childhood development notes that parental responses to a child's claims of distress can profoundly affect their self-esteem and trust levels. When children feel that their experiences are not validated, it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology indicates that these early experiences can contribute to anxiety disorders in adulthood, as they may carry a pervasive fear of not being believed or taken seriously.

It turned out that OP wasn't faking it and she did indeed break her arm

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A good toe stomp

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A learned high pain tolerance

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The Role of Validation in Emotional Development

Validation is a critical component of healthy emotional development. According to Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned researcher on vulnerability, when emotions are validated, individuals feel understood and valued. Conversely, when expressions of pain or discomfort are dismissed, it can create a disconnect between emotional experiences and one's sense of self-worth. In fact, studies show that emotional validation enhances resilience and coping skills, which are essential for navigating life's challenges.

A prime example of neglectful parenting

u/ArrowDel

This story may not fit the traditional definition of malicious compliance, but it does highlight the indomitable spirit of a determined child who was willing to withstand a broken arm just to prove a point. It's a tale of childhood resilience and, of course, the power of pizza in healing emotional wounds.

The comments on this thread were flooded with other Redditors sharing similar experiences, proving once again that life with kids is never boring.

Practical recommendations for parents include actively listening to their children's concerns and responding with empathy. When a child expresses pain, it's essential to acknowledge their feelings without judgment, as this fosters an environment where they feel safe to share their experiences. Techniques such as reflective listening, where parents repeat back what their child has said to show understanding, can significantly strengthen the parent-child bond and reinforce a child's sense of worth.

Psychological Analysis

This situation exemplifies how childhood experiences can shape emotional responses in adulthood. The mother's disbelief in her daughter's pain reflects a lack of emotional validation, which can lead to long-term issues in self-expression and trust in relationships. It's vital for caregivers to recognize the impact of their responses on a child's emotional development.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Research supports these behavioral interpretations, showing that early experiences significantly influence adult functioning. As noted in various psychological studies, 'Context and history matter more than we often realize - behavior that seems irrational often makes perfect sense when viewed through the lens of someone's lived experience.' The emphasis on creating safe, validating environments for children is crucial for their emotional development and long-term mental health.