http://Maddy Patti and the Great Curiosity: Helping Children Understand Diabetes (Let’s Talk)
The way you talk to your child about diabetes will have a big impact on how they perceive their diabetes and themself. Being positive and supportive will help boost your child’s self-esteem.
Talk to your child about how foods fit into a healthy lifestyle. For example, no single food should be described as “bad” or “junk.”
Describe blood glucose levels as “in target,” “high,” or “low.” Try to avoid describing blood glucose levels as “good” or “bad.”
Remember that diabetes is only one part of a child’s life. Talk to you child about other important things that are happening in their life such as school, sports and social events.
Involving other caregivers
It is important that other caregivers understand your child’s diabetes and know how to care for them. Members of your child’s diabetes care team can provide education to others. Consider providing other caregivers with:
A schedule of blood glucose monitoring times and insulin requirements
A meal and snack plan
A treatment plan for low blood glucose
A treatment plan for high blood glucose
Contact information for emergency situations
Involving a child in diabetes care
Encourage your child to be involved in their diabetes care right from the beginning. Identify reasonable tasks that your child can do for themselves. Even young children can pick which finger is to be tested and read the numbers on the meter. As they become more independent, children can take on more of a role in their diabetes care, with parental support.
If you have any information,questions, or feedback you would like to include in this webpage.
Please email momo19@diabetessupportsite.com or leave your comments below.