You Can Help Your Child Cope with an Emotional Crisis and Diabetes

If you are a woman living with diabetes and/or have a child with diabetes, how do you handle the emotional crises that pop up from time to time?

We all have them. All children, especially teens have them.

If you live with diabetes, it can be more frustrating than usual. Below are some tips to help you and your child through these emotional times.

According to Kidspeace.org, there are some things to keep in mind.

“A crisis is an urgent, pressure-filled time of change in your child’s life. Every child will go through some kind of crisis. The Chinese word for “crisis” combines two meanings -- `danger` and `opportunity`. You must recognize the danger and seize the opportunity! You can help make something very good come out of a crisis!”

    Provide empathy, not necessarily quick advice.
    Locate the cause of crisis. Ask your child how he feels, what is bothering him. Find the source of pressure so you can help relieve it.
    Listen to the problem, identify the problem and offer positive reinforcement and confidence.
    If possible offer practical action.
    Admit your own mistakes or not knowing the right course of action.
    Prepare for the next crisis: going through it together can be helpful.

Living with diabetes presents fears and challenges that many do not have to face. A late night hypoglycemic reaction can cause alarming fear.

Will they die? Will they wake up to correct blood glucose (BG) in time? How long can they live without complications?

None of these questions have exact answers, but they are common concerns, and legitimate.

React calmly, empathetically, and respond to your child on several levels.

I think that my living a successful life with diabetes depends upon science, faith, luck and hard work. Sometimes you just don’t know which is working at that particular time and crisis.

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:

Self-care is the key to the development of a child`s independence and self-esteem.

This point cannot be overstated: You must get your child involved in self-care as soon as he or she is able to master self-management tasks and is emotionally ready. At the same time, supervision by caregivers must continue.

Sometimes, fear of rejection will cause them to isolate themselves from their peer group. But isolation is even worse for self-esteem. If this happens to your child, you should try to break this potentially damaging cycle.

The best advice I can offer is to listen to your child. Do not try to fix the problem, but let them know that their concerns and fears are validated.

BDST: 1232 HRS, JULY 26, 2012
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor