<\/p>\n
This one is for the outside world, the people watching us try to master this parenting a child with diabetes life, because I\u2019ve noticed that you\u2019re avoiding me sometimes. And other times you say things with the best of intentions that just\u2026 set me off.<\/p>\n
So here it is, my guide to help you. Instead of saying what not<\/em> to say to the parent of a child with diabetes, I offer you what yes<\/em> to say. I hope it helps you. I know it will help me.<\/p>\n Whether I\u2019m new to this life raising a child with diabetes or years into it, I\u2019m probably facing some kind of new challenge. Diabetes is like that. Just when you think you\u2019ve mastered it all, everything changes. So, when you say, \u201cTell me something specific I can do to help you,\u201d you\u2019re opening the door for me to make a suggestion. I might say, \u201cJust come over and let me vent.\u201d I might say, \u201cI really need a friend to hang out with me at the hockey practice. I have to stay this week because of wacky numbers.\u201d I might say, \u201cBring me a double latte espresso moccachino delight. Tall. Please!\u201d Knowing you are offering will mean the world to me, even in the simplest of ways.<\/p>\n I have favorite books that have helped me along in this D-parent life, and blogs and magazines I turn to for education. I am more than happy to share them with you.. And when you do read them and can chat with me about some details that actually came from a reliable source (and not some silly headline about how okra water laced with llama spit cured Type 1), it will make my day, big time. You reading and continuing to learn will really boost my morale. And some of the diabetes blogs, magazines and books are just plain awesome anyway.<\/p>\n I get it \u2013 I used to be you. And I never really knew there were different kinds of diabetes. But they are so very different, and I don\u2019t want you to make assumptions based on what you may have known in the past. In the same vein, please feel free to say, \u201cI knew someone in high school with Type 1 but that was a long time ago. Is it treated differently today?\u201d It means the world when someone truly tries to understand.<\/p>\n Of course my child comes first, and of course we all care the most about the child\u2019s health and well being. But this whole life has taken a toll on me, too. I\u2019ve been hurting at times, sad, exhausted and scared. I\u2019ve had moments of \u201cyeah we\u2019ve got this!\u201d and days of feeling defeated. There\u2019s a good chance I\u2019ve either gained a bit too much weight or lost a bit too much since my child\u2019s diagnosis. Having someone ask me how I am and how I feel, both mentally and physically, is a blessing.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not easy, but it can be done. And you asking me this way \u2013 instead of saying something like \u201cI\u2019m sure it is not a big deal,\u201d or \u201cOh come on, its only a few hours,\u201d gives me confidence that you will listen to what I suggest and take care in watching \u00a0my child. It is so important to my child\u2019s mental health that he or she go back to \u201cnormal\u201d things like hanging out at a friend\u2019s house. Your asking this way is proof that it will happen.<\/p>\n Yes! This is my goal. I am faced with what is a lifetime of medical intervention for my child. I must convince him or her that even though they must prick their finger a bunch of times a day, take shots or insulin pump boluses, eat to fight lows or take insulin to battle highs, they are still going to live a normal life. You noticing that it looks that way and that it comes from hard work is the ultimate compliment to me and my child.<\/p>\n Asking this, and then taking action, is like giving me a Porche, a mountain villa and an island vacation all rolled into one. First, I am thankful that you asked me which cause means the most to me. There are many good ones, but I do have some that are special to me. Second, even if all you can give is a dollar, you are giving toward a better future for my child. I fully understand there are many worthy charities and programs in this world. For you to give to the one that speaks to me is just amazing.<\/p>\n Sometimes, that\u2019s all I need to hear.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This one is for the outside world, the people watching us try to master this parenting a child with diabetes life, because I\u2019ve noticed that you\u2019re avoiding me sometimes. And other times you say things with the best of intentions that just\u2026 set me off.<\/p>\n So here it is, my guide to help you. Instead of saying what not to say to the parent of a child with diabetes, I offer you what yes to say. I hope it helps you. I know it will help me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":37343,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1430],"tags":[20],"yoast_head":"\n\u201cWhat specific thing can I do to help you today?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cIs there something I can read to learn more?\u201d <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cMy great aunt had Type 2 diabetes. Can you explain how that is the same or different than your child\u2019s diabetes?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cHow are YOU?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
\u201cCan you give me the tools I need to watch your child when you need a break or are not around?\u201d <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cYour child seems so healthy! To me it is like nothing has changed. I know this comes from your hard work.\u201d <\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
\u201cIs there a cause you would like me to donate to on behalf of your child?\u201d <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re doing great.\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n