Managing diabetes: Letting go and letting your child take control

You've been watching over your child since the moment they were born. They are precious, and you'd do anything to keep them safe and healthy. That's why you've worked so hard to manage their diabetes.

Now they're growing up and are interested in managing diabetes by themselves. Understandably, you may be feeling a little anxious or concerned! You may wonder if they can do it all on their own and if you should let them give it a try.

You'll have to let go of managing your child's condition and let them take the reins someday, so it's a good idea to start giving them the tools and knowledge they need. Here are a few actions you can take to educate your child with diabetes and help them take control.

Take baby steps

Your child probably didn't learn to run without first learning to walk — they won't be a pro at managing their diabetes right off the bat, either. Give them opportunities to take small steps toward independence and let them build their skills gradually.

Every child is different. The tasks you give your kid will depend on their maturity level, how long they've been living with diabetes and your parenting style. You might start when they're in kindergarten, allowing them to open and use an alcohol swab to clean their fingertip without your help. And when they turn eight, you may want to let them check their own blood sugar and write down the results in a glucose log. Maybe they can read labels to count carbohydrates once they turn 10.

Managing diabetes with insulin is a task that requires careful attention. You and your child will need to make mutual decisions about insulin dosing for several months before you feel comfortable that they can handle the task on their own. Over time, you will come to trust your child's decisions around managing diabetes — and that they're capable of maintaining their health.

Educate other people you trust

If you're the only person who knows the ins and outs of your child's diabetes needs, you're likely under a great deal of pressure. It's almost impossible to be with your child every minute, so having support systems in place can really help. You've probably heard the expression, "It takes a village to raise a child." When it comes to raising a child with diabetes, this is definitely true!

Reach out to as many people as you can — friends and family, teachers and staff at your child's school, people in your neighborhood — and ask if they'd be willing to learn about your child's diabetes. Gather the people who support your child and enlist your child to help teach the group about managing diabetes. Afterward, your child will feel like an expert, your friends and family will be better able to assist them in case of an emergency, and you will feel reassured that so many people who love and care for your child now know how to help them if/when need be.

Other people in your child's life may not be as adept at managing diabetes as you are, but it's important for you and your child to have a "safety net" of people who can help. A supportive network will help you and your child feel more secure as they venture out into the world.

Get a few objective opinions

Most parents of children with diabetes feel anxious about letting them manage their blood sugars on their own. If you could "bubble wrap" your child to keep them safe, you probably would. This way, they wouldn't experience any harm — but they wouldn't get to experience the feeling of independence, either.

If you're having trouble deciding whether or not your child can manage their diabetes, and you feel like your anxiety might be getting in the way of making a good decision, start by asking your child's teachers how they handle responsibilities at school. Then, make an appointment with a certified diabetes educator who can evaluate your child's diabetes-related skills and give you an opinion about what they can (and can't) handle right now.

Feeling anxious about letting your child manage their diabetes is completely normal, and so is a desire to help your kid grow to be fully independent. Don't hesitate to ask for objective opinions — you can use the different bits of advice to craft a plan that works best for you and your child!

Remember that managing diabetes is a balancing act

Your growing child may not always admit it, but they need you to help them decide when they can safely manage their diabetes. Kids tend to feel reassured when they know that parents and other trusted adults are there to catch them when they fall. The key is to find a balance between protecting your child and helping them grow.

Whether you're helping your child learn to walk or track their glucose levels, the key is knowing when to hold on and understanding when to let go. With a little care and consideration, you can help them take control of their health and live long, full lives.

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