Bumps and Bruises

This post is sponsored by Hyland’s 4 Kids Bumps ‘n Bruises.

With a house full of kids, a garage full of bikes and an abundant supply of energy around here, we’ve seen our share of boo-boos–mostly minor, but if we’re counting severity, Nella gets the trophy for those three head staples back in the day. Basically, for as long as I’ve lived in this house, there’s been a background track on replay of trip, fall, bump, run, crash, boom, cry. 

Mind you, it’s overpowered by the more popular tracks of happy sounds, but if you added up every jump to soothe a bumped head, a stubbed toe, a funny-bone-to-coffee table, we’d have definitely earned some kind of scout badge for our parenting vest. Right next to my I Survived Horrendous First Day of Kindergarten Drop-Off badge and above the I Spent Six Hours Putting Together a Dollhouse badge. Oh wait, I never earned that one because I hoodwinked my dad into putting it together for me.

There are a number of ways to calm the wails of a child who’s endured some bumps and bruises, and I’m not going to pretend I always choose the parenting high road because, listen, I’ve totally sunk to “Listen, if you’re crying that hard over stepping on a crayon, it must be bad. I think we should take you to the hospital.” Sometimes I overreact (see also: talking in threes). Sometimes we resort to humor (“Brett, we have a Class 4 stubbed toe. Call an ambulance. I repeat, call an ambulance.“). But most of the time, all it takes is a little TLC and a diversion. I still remember my dad trying to make me laugh when I was a kid, after I fell or tripped or ran into a wall (circa 1985, looking at my cool new purple double-velcro tennis shoes–forgot to look up, it happens). Through my dramatic sobs, he’d try to find out what happened by suggesting the most bizarre catastrophes. “What happened? Did a Tibetan monkey bite you?” “Your head! Your head! Let me guess! A meteor hit you!” And without fail, I’d laugh–even if only for a second before doubling the volume of my wail.

So there’s a sweet little assistant for parents that takes care of the TLC and the diversion for boo boos–these adorable bruise buddies–Bumps ‘n Bruises with Arnica Ointment Sticks from Hyland’s 4 Kids.

They provide natural relief for pain and swelling while distracting kids with their funny faces and personalities. And they have names! Of course they do. Everyone knows painting your nails is enhanced when your polish has a cool color name (The Thrill of Brazil, Pink-ing of You!).  And kid boo-boos are easily forgotten when you’re comforting them with Dot, Splat and Biff. A round of applause for their names, please. I mean, Biff! Yes! And their website gives them personalities (genius). Which is how we know that Splat is Dash’s spirit animal. His bio: “Splat is the speediest member of the Bruise Buddies – a splash of pure energy in a body built to move. Need to feel better NOW? Splat’s your guy.”

The bruise buddies are small and tuck in whatever corner will welcome them. So we keep Splat in the fridge, Dot hangs out in my purse, and Biff gets around.

Dash likes to use the ointment sticks for real boo-boos, pretend boo-boos and other people’s non-existent boo-boos.

Hyland’s was selected as one of the 31 brands for “Made to Matter–Handpicked by Target,” a product collection of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. That means you can find our little bruise friends in Target’s first aid aisle and know that they are safe, made with simple recognizable ingredients, and the packaging is kind to the environment (the push-up tubes are made from 90% recycled paperboard). Happy earth, happy moms, happy kids.

And you can pull up this coupon when you’re at Target and receive $1 off Hyland’s 4 Kids Bumps ‘n Bruises with Arnica.

You can also check out Hyland’s 4 Kids website for more information on natural first aid and health remedies as well as some fun activities for kids.