How to support children with diabetes

Condition analysis:
After a loss – and this is a loss – people naturally go through a period of grief and mourning. This process takes time, but is necessary for recovery and for getting used to a new and difficult way of life. How long it takes depends on the individual and how much support, both emotional and physical, is available. Allow children to grieve in their own way, and don’t try to hurry them.

One way to help a child through this difficult time is to let them talk openly to someone who’ll listen and understand. Having Type 1 diabetes is often a lonely business, and having the support and understanding of family and friends can be a great source of strength.

Instructions:
Tips for teens and older children with diabetes

Diabetes – and those who live with it – deserve respect. Give it, and expect it.Diabetes – and those who live with it – deserve respect. Give it, and expect it.

Try to acknowledge privately and publicly that it’s difficult, but also that you have the strength to handle it.Try to acknowledge privately and publicly that it’s difficult, but also that you have the strength to handle it.

Try to work out a relationship with your diabetes that isn’t destructive. It can’t be the enemy if it’s part of you, if you live with it.Try to work out a relationship with your diabetes that isn’t destructive. It can’t be the enemy if it’s part of you, if you live with it.

Think of your diabetes as a difficult relative who you care for – sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s frustrating – and sometimes it’s infuriating. At times you’ll cope really well; at others you won’t. Be kind to yourself – you’re only human.Think of your diabetes as a difficult relative who you care for – sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s frustrating – and sometimes it’s infuriating. At times you’ll cope really well; at others you won’t. Be kind to yourself – you’re only human.