First of all, if you blame yourself because your child is lying about the results on the meter — do not do this. Even when parents constantly help with diabetes compensation, children can lie. After all, being honest in this area is a decision that requires a lot of courage.
There are many reasons why people lie about their blood sugar readings, including adults! For example, the desire to receive approval from a doctor, the fear that for bad sugars will be scolded; fear of being judged for not being fully controlled. Children may feel that they are failing their parents. And the more they try and expect good results, the stronger the fear in the child. A child may think that despite all attempts, nothing works.
Children may feel that they are failing their parents. And the more they try and expect good results, the stronger the fear in the child.
The instinct to scold for a lie can be the first option. More often than not, it will also be counterproductive. Children and adolescents lie about their blood sugar readings because they want to avoid emotional turmoil due to “bad” results. By adding more emotions, you can add oil to the fire.
Instead, try to remove as many emotions as possible from the equation. Your child may benefit from a calm reaction and heart to heart conversation. The causes and effects of blood sugar readings, insulin doses, or carbohydrate intake should also be explained. Staying calm when you have caught your child lying is extremely difficult, but it will pay off in the long run.
Staying calm when you have caught your child lying is extremely difficult, but it will pay off in the long run.
Changes can occur in small steps. For example, ask your child to show the meter’s screen after he / she looks at the result. Do not indicate what a number means to you. Just give advice or discuss any corrective actions you need to take. The number should be the subject of discussion, not the subject of debate.
It is good if the child has someone else who can discuss his compensation, except for the parents. And it will also help to install safe play: from and to indicators of target sugars.
Unfortunately, there are no simple answers for achieving honesty in managing diabetes — it can be a lifelong process. However, openness, support, and impartiality can go a long way towards improving the situation.