Give your kids the support they need.

Having a child diagnosed with a disease can be devastating for parents. When the disease is manageable, like type 1 diabetes, parents and kids can get used to the health requirements that this health problem demands. The learning curve can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.

Here are a few ways to best support your child with juvenile diabetes.

Work together

Having a disease like diabetes can make kids feel isolated and alone, especially if they are the only child in their classroom or school with diabetes. They may wonder why they take injections while others don’t have to, or why they can’t do everything the other kids can do. Working with your child can help them understand why their diabetes management and treatment routines are so important for the short and long term.

Diabetes is a chronic condition, so creating good health habits is essential to allowing your child to grow up as normally as possible. Over time, they will get used to managing their own diabetes, but for their childhood years, you as their parent are in charge of their health and well-being. This involves making tough medical calls, dealing with anxious children, and no uncertain amount of worry about your child’s overall health.

Educate yourself

When your child has diabetes, you are going to rely heavily on your doctors to get answers about how to best take care of your child. You’ll learn how to deal with the medications, tools, diet restrictions, and other aspects of your child’s life. Understanding and being comfortable making choices about their health and diet can help you process your child’s diagnosis, too.

There will be times when you have to stand your ground and advocate for your child’s health, even when they don’t understand why. Standing together with the rest of your family to create a strong network that your child with diabetes can rely on all throughout their life.

Create a support network

You shouldn’t have to deal with your child’s diagnosis on your own. Keeping your family in the loop can allow them to step in when you need a break, and to show your child that they can go to any member of their family with questions or concerns about their health.

Additionally, informing your child’s teachers and parents of their friends could create more support for your child wherever they are. Your child should be encouraged to play sports, enjoy time with their friends, and pursue the life they want to live without worrying about their diabetes. Growing up with a strong support network can show them that they can manage their disease while following their dreams at the same time.