The challenging task of parenting is difficult no matter the age of the child. The style of parenting will vary dependent upon what culture you are in, your own personal background of how you were raised, and the environment that you are raising the child in. There is no one correct way to be the ideal parent, however as a successful parent your goal will be to help the children to grow up and be independent, loving, and of course respectful to other member of the society. What about being the parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes (D1)? Quite often, we find ourselves being more sympathetic and overprotective toward our Type 1 Diabetes child. Among all the things, we need to remember is that our primary goals have not changed, as that is to be a successful parent. As with other children with special needs, D1 child can be very challenging as it becomes necessary to understand how the disease will affect the child and what is necessary to manage the treatment. The potential for distress for newly diagnosed parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, will almost be overwhelming. The additional regimen will be a new mindset (think carbohydrate counting, blood glucose checking, insulin dosage, how many daily injections, what dosage, site changes for pump user, and the day goes on…). Does all of this sound overwhelming? Certainly it does.

Management of type one diabetes is learned as it is not an exact science, a lot of trial and error experiments, late nights blood sugar checks, some sleepless nights, not to mention the endless worries just to find what works best. To become proficient at helping the D1 child to get to the “perfect” number on the glucometer so to avoid hyperglycemic and avoid ketone buildups and hypoglycemic episodes associated with high blood sugar levels or have low blood sugar levels and risk potential seizures require a lot of work. The question parents will often ask themselves, “Did I do the right thing?” “Am I doing this right?” suddenly has very tough meaning, with no correct answer. The art of juggling between parenting and mastering the management of Type One Diabetes, the parent will have to work diligently to achieve the level of independence for themselves and their children. There will never be such a thing as the “perfect” level, we may strive to attain a “comfortable” level, which may take several months or even years to reach. The knowledge that must be passed on the child from the parent is similar to passing on morals and values, over time the knowledge will imprint on the child’s mind. Major focus point is consistency and repetition.

Sibling rivalry may be the concern parents face in a “normal” family setting. The concern can virtually escalate with families involving a D1 child. The major discontent could stem from the D1 child hogging most of the parents’ attention, or the envy a D1 child for their other siblings having more freedom with eating or other things they can do without parents’ supervision. This will form questions in the D1 child as well as non-diabetic siblings as to “Why” the situation is the way it is. An effective method of handling this situation for parents is understanding, lots of patience, and education. Questions raised by the D1 and non-diabetic children should be taken seriously and know their underlying reasons behind their questions. In addition, as parents, we have to help the children come to grip with their emotions and thoughts so as to decrease negative feelings towards each other. This also goes as far as your D1 child’s social surroundings. The parent’s task is to extend the knowledge and educate school personnel, students, friends, and other family members. Though the D1 child may come to an understanding that he/she is “different”, but the difference is, it will not be a negative label. After all, not everyone understands Type 1 Diabetes and its implications.

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