When your child gets the “all clear” after having a cast removed from their leg, it’s a moment of relief and celebration. But for many families, what follows can be unexpectedly challenging. You might have been told your child is now fine to walk… but they refuse to stand, hobble on tiptoes, or keep asking to be carried. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

At Nurture Paediatrics, we regularly support tamariki and their families through this very phase – helping children retake confident steps (literally!) after a fracture. This blog will guide you through what’s going on, why your child might be anxious or reluctant, and what you can do to help – practically, gently, and playfully.

Helping Kids Understand Pain: Why Metaphors, Education & Family Support Matter

When a child is in pain, their response is often misunderstood as overreaction. But what looks like “catastrophising” is usually a normal, developmentally appropriate reaction to fear and uncertainty. At Nurture Paediatrics, we use child-friendly education tools—including metaphors like the pain control console—to help tamariki (and their whānau) understand the complexity of pain and take confident steps toward recovery.

Learn how we’re transforming pain care for children through connection, clarity, and compassionate communication.