“My child can do what any other child can do” and “Kids First, Diabetes Second” are very common sentiments in the D-parent community. While we go out of our way to make our kids’ childhood normal, there will always be affects that T1D has on their life. Sometimes, we find ourselves in tough situations, trying to console a child who is dealing with more than most of their peers.
“I wish I knew the Right things to Say”
By: Celina Orona, T1D Mom
I wish I knew the right things to say. I wish I could take it all away.
I wish it was the typical advice that she needed, like to punch the bully in the face or just run away.
I wish I could take her to the store and buy all her worries away with new clothes or whatever it is kids her age like. I wish I had “normal” parents issues where your kid hates life because of simple growing up issues like bullies, being popular, wearing cool clothes etc…
But the truth is that this road is a little bit harder.
What do you say and how do you console a 9 year old who cries at night because she wants to be normal? She gets so tired of the responsibility and the hassle of taking shots.
What do you say when she HATES celebrating her friends birthdays in class, or any holiday for that matter because she hates having to go see the nurse, count her carbs, and get a shot.
She wants to just live and indulge like everyone else around her. Not having to leave the scene to take care of her sugars. She wants to be invited to sleepovers and play dates, but she isn’t. She wonders is it because of her diabetes? Why have her friends strayed away?
Her doctor told her it could be worse. Yes, I suppose, but how does a 9 year old understand that? She doesn’t. She just knows the severity of her illness and how it has rocked her world.
I don’t know what to say to all this.
My words feel so empty because regardless of what I say, this thing will never go away.
I pray God gives me the right words. I pray my hugs comfort her a little. I pray he brings her the right friends. Good ones that she can lean on and open up to. I pray for strength for her and I every day. Most of all, I pray for a cure.
What do you say to a child who is tired of their diabetes (burnout)? What can you do to help a child who is feeling left out because of T1D? Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to check out the Carb Counting Mama Facebook page and “like” it for more T1D posts!!
My daughter is almost 11 and was diagnosed one year ago. When she has these moments I remind her of how strong and brave she is. I remind her that she is probably more responsible than any other kid her age and that I am so proud of her for being in control of her diabetes instead of letting diabetes be in control of her. She manages her diabetes for the most part, we supervise obviously but she is doing an amazing job. From CGM and pump site changes to giving herself injections and finger sticks prior to getting her tech devices, she has done it all and I’m so proud of her.