Every day in the burn ward of Bheri Hospital, I meet children whose lives have been changed forever by accidents that could have been prevented. Most of them are between 5 months to three years old, at an age when they are full of curiosity but completely dependent on adults for safety. What I have witnessed in these cases is both heartbreaking and eye opening. These innocent children are not victims of fate but of preventable accidents, burn injuries that could have been avoided with a little more awareness and care.

In Nepal, burn injuries among children remains a serious yet often overlooked public health issue Many families live in homes where open fires or gas stoves are used for cooking. Pots of hot water are often left within reach of curious toddlers. In some cases, parents leave children unattended, unaware that a single moment of distraction can lead to lifelong scars, both physical and emotional.

Over time, I see children lying in hospital beds with burns. Some have lost their natural skin color, others struggle with pain, infection, or scars that will remain forever, Beyond the physical wounds, the psychological impact is deep. Fear, anxiety and emotional trauma affect not only the child but also the parents. During counseling, I often hear parents say things like “I just left for one minute” or “I never thought this could happen”. These words reflect the guilt and helplessness they carry. Some parents cannot eat or sleep properly. They replay the accident in their minds again and again. Many mothers cry during the sessions, saying they feel like a bad parent. As a counselor, I try to help them cope, but I also feel a strong need to raise awareness so that other parents do not have to go through the same pain.

Through my experience, I have learned that parental education is vital. Parents should understand that children under three years explore their surroundings without recognizing danger. Parenting is a shared responsibility, not just the duty of the mother. In most cases I encounter, the accident happens when one caregiver assumes that another is watching the child. Every family member, father, mother, grandparents and even older siblings has a role to play in ensuring a safe environment. In parenting, love is not enough, awareness, responsibility and presence are equally important. Every family must understand that accidents can happen in a blink but prevention only takes a few mindful habits. We need greater community awareness about burn prevention, child safety and parental education. Hospitals, schools and local organizations can work together to train parents and caregivers on safety practices.

Burn injuries are not only a physical trauma, they change how a person sees themselves and how others react to them. One of my biggest challenges was helping the family prepare for social reintegration. We talked about how to respond to curious looks or insensitive questions, and how to build confidence. There were moments when I felt helpless too, when pain medication didn’t ease their cries, or when dressing changes made them terrified again. But over time, I learned that healing isn’t about removing all pain, it’s about creating moments of safety, love, and connection within it.

These cases taught me that psychosocial care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Burn treatment is incomplete without emotional healing. The strength of those little children, their mother’s courage, and the teamwork of the medical staff reminded me why I chose this profession.