How to help your child cope and understand their diabetes

As a parent, your support is instrumental in helping your child cope emotionally while also ensuring effective diabetes management. Daniel Sher shares how to foster understanding and resilience in your child.

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A diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming for both children and their parents. Learning to navigate the complexities of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but with the right approach, children can develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of control over their condition.

1. Explain diabetes in an age-appropriate way

Your child’s understanding of diabetes will evolve as they develop. For younger children, simple explanations such as “your body needs extra help to use sugar for energy” may be sufficient.

Older children may benefit from more detailed discussions about insulin, blood glucose levels, and long-term management. Using visuals, stories, or even apps designed for children with diabetes can help them grasp complex concepts.

2. Encourage open communication

Diabetes management is a life-long commitment, and your child will have good days and bad days. Encourage them to express their feelings, whether it’s frustration, sadness, or anxiety. Reassure them that it’s normal to feel this way and that they’re not alone: both of which are completely true. Try to avoid minimising their emotions, and instead, validate their experiences while offering constructive support.

3. Create a supportive environment

Your child will look to you for cues on how to manage their diabetes. If you approach their condition with confidence and a problem-solving mindset, they are more likely to adopt a similar attitude. Avoid using punitive language around blood glucose fluctuations; instead, frame challenges as opportunities to learn what works best for their body.

4. Make diabetes management routine

Consistency is key when it comes to diabetes management. Integrating blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and meal planning into daily routines can make these tasks feel less burdensome. Encourage your child to participate in their care by allowing them to take small steps toward independence, such as checking their own blood glucose levels when they feel ready.

5. Help them navigate social situations

Children with diabetes may feel different from their peers, especially when they need to check their blood glucose levels or administer insulin at school or social events. Role-playing different scenarios can help them develop confidence in explaining their condition to friends and teachers. Encourage them to carry a diabetes kit with essential supplies so they always feel well equipped to cope with blood glucose changes.

6. Address feelings of anxiety and frustration

Many children with diabetes experience stress about managing their condition, particularly when they feel it limits their activities. Helping them develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking to a trusted adult, can be beneficial. If persistent anxiety or distress interferes with their daily life, seeking professional support from a diabetes psychologist can be helpful.

7. Foster independence gradually

As children grow, they will need to take on more responsibility for their diabetes care. This process should be gradual and developmentally appropriate. Start by letting them make small decisions, such as choosing a snack that fits their meal plan, and gradually involve them in more complex aspects of management as they gain confidence.

8. Connect with other families

Meeting other children with diabetes can be incredibly reassuring. Support groups, diabetes camps, and community events provide opportunities for your child to connect with peers who share similar experiences. These interactions can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging.

9. Encourage a healthy relationship with food

It’s important that children with diabetes develop a balanced perspective on food. Rather than labelling foods as strictly good or bad, teach them how different foods impact their blood glucose levels and how they can enjoy a varied diet while maintaining stability. Involving them in meal planning and preparation can foster a sense of empowerment over their dietary choices.

10. Be their biggest advocate

Whether it’s at school, sports activities, or social gatherings, your child will need support from those around them. Educate teachers, coaches, and caregivers about your child’s diabetes and emergency procedures. Encourage your child to speak up about their needs when they feel comfortable doing so.

Summing up

Helping your child understand and cope with diabetes is an ongoing journey that requires patience, education, and emotional support. By fostering resilience, encouraging independence, and providing a nurturing environment, you can empower your child to live confidently with their condition.