But the challenges faced by a parent who happens to have diabetes are not so different from the challenges faced by all parents. It’s just that the essential parenting tools -- good communication, proper planning, honesty -- need to be put to especially good use by the person with diabetes. So says Kathryn Gregorio Palmer, author of When You’re a Parent With Diabetes: A Real Life Guide to Staying Healthy While Raising a Family.
Advice for Parents With Diabetes
Palmer, a working mother with two sons, ages 5 and 10, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 18. She won the Bayer Dream Fund Contest in 2004, which helped her complete her book. When You’re a Parent With Diabetes features advice and tips to support parents’ efforts in caring for their families and themselves.
Palmer, whose husband also has diabetes, has lived with her disease for more than two decades. She says that talking to kids about the disease is an ongoing process. Issues and questions arise almost constantly, she says, and the required communication evolves over the years.
“When they were very young, we only really talked about things that directly affected them, such as why it’s important to not play with mommy’s insulin pump, or why they have to wait while mommy checks her blood sugar and drinks some juice,” she says, adding that it’s important to answer questions in terms they understand.
Stick to the Basics at First
Palmer started talking with her kids about her diabetes when they were quite young, at first focusing on just the basics. For example, rather than trying to explain what a low blood sugar reaction was, she’d tell her 3-year-old, “Mommy feels shaky right now, so let’s wait a minute until I’ve had my snack.”
As her children grew older, Palmer used a toy phone and helped them learn how -- and when -- to dial 911. She told them that this would be a good thing to do if Mommy had a “really hard time waking up.” Another parent with diabetes she knows created a picture phonebook with photos of the dad, the neighbors and the fire station. Under each was the speed-dial number for that person or service.
Palmer says that when answering children’s questions about diabetes, it’s best to focus on the positive -- what the person with diabetes and the family are doing to stay healthy.
However, in her experience as a parent and a person with diabetes, Palmer realizes bad things might happen.
“If complications arise, be honest and open,” she says, reiterating the need to take the child’s age and maturity level into account. “Let them know what to expect from your treatments or complications,” she advocates, “but focus on how it will affect them.” Overall, reassure them that they will continue to be cared for and loved, even (if necessary) getting specific about who else in their world will support them during your health crisis.”
The Family That Plays Together ...
Keeping children involved in lifestyle changes made necessary by diabetes will benefit everyone. It’s never too early to establish healthy diet and exercise habits.
When exercising, a child’s enthusiasm is contagious and will help the parent with diabetes remain motivated to continue with the program. And time spent together enjoying physical recreation provides the best of “quality” time that will help strengthen family bonds.
Source:
Gregorio, K. Email interviews. 28 Sep 2007.
