With growing up, the self-identification of children changes greatly. What do children with diabetes after 10 years old need and why does an authoritarian parenting style no longer work? Consider these important points.
Children 10-12 years old
At this time, the children are very receptive and open to new knowledge. It’s time to actively instill a culture of conscious approach to health and self-control. Set boundaries but give children more freedom to make decisions within this framework. Self-control should gain a foothold in a lifestyle. Right now, it is important that the child realizes that diabetes is a lifelong feature. This is difficult to accept, but a conscious approach to compensation, instilled before the onset of the teenage crisis, reduces the risks of a negative psychological impact of the diagnosis in the future.
If a child has hobbies, do not forbid it because of your fears. For example, various physical activities are associated with a drop in sugar levels. It’s better to teach your child to often control glucose levels and correctly stop hypoglycemia than to deprive him of joy, because your schedule does not allow you to be everywhere with him and insure him from difficult situations.
Communicating with children with similar characteristics is now especially important, as the child begins to increasingly connect himself with the outside world. Try to attend diabetic meetings and theme events on Diabetes Day. If possible, send your child in the summer to a specialized children’s camp.
All of the above does not mean that this is the same period when you give the child the reins of governing their own life. To shift compensation issues under his full responsibility is still too early.
It is more like a tricycle when a child is already pedaling, but there is still help in maintaining balance!
Adolescence
A time of growing independence, the struggle for equality and getting the most out of life. Get ready for change, difficulty and the words “I know” and “I will do it myself”. It is especially difficult with those adolescents who were diagnosed at an older age and they encountered it, realizing that what was happening was far from good.
The rule of long conversations with the child should be transformed into the rule of active listening to your child. At this stage, he does not need you for notations, but for support, understanding and active discussion of the future.
At this stage your child does not need you for notations, but for support, understanding and active discussion of the future.
In addition to soothing conversations, start gently touching on topics of the future profession, family, and the risks of complications. The main thing to do is very unobtrusive. Modern news magazines, blogs, as well as popular Instagram diabetics will help you better understand the different nuances and maintain motivation for good compensation. Subscribe to these sources yourself and show them to your child.
Sometimes teens require more privacy. One should not be offended by this zealous desire for personal space. Psychologists advise allowing older teens to remain in private with the attending physician and ask all their questions after the appointment. If you want to ask something that may confuse your child, discuss this issue with him in advance or talk with the doctor face to face.
It is important to discuss the relationship of complications and the possibility of pregnancy with the quality of compensation with older teens.
It is also important to discuss the relationship of complications and the possibility of pregnancy with the quality of compensation with older teens. It is difficult for many boys and girls to associate themselves with their older version. 20-30 years seems to them an impossible long period. Even if the conversation about the future beyond tomorrow is not very productive, it is of great importance. Your child may become aware of it a little later, but he will not have the feeling “I didn’t know this” or “they didn’t tell me that”. He will understand it when he is ready. Do not reduce your communication with your child only to the topic of diabetes. Many teenagers from 14-16 do not want to actively attract parents and prefer to cope on their own. At the same time, the child will not protest from keeping you in the know about things. But still, it is better to start your morning / evening meetings and phone calls with questions about mood, events and plans, and ask about sugar in the fifth place.