Parenting Diabetic Teenagers – Part 1
June 11, 2008 by Leila
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Loading ...We all know that adolescence is a period of complications when it comes to both physical and mental stability. The bodily hormonal changes are the main culprit and if your teenager has diabetes, it may be even worse news for you. This may be so, because hormones involved with growth will cause blood sugar levels to swing up and down momentarily. So here are some tips on how to handle your teen suffering with diabetes.
Firstly, it is important to avoid clashes of interest. Therefore you need to be very clear on what is good for your teenager and what is not. Say whatever you want to convey in a tone and voice that will make your child understand its consequences.
It is quite obvious that your child will not refrain from all fiestas when all other people his/her age enjoy the luxury of junk food and similar. However, it is up to you to make him/her understand the true meaning of healthy food. Always make it a point to make the deal a perfect give and take. For example, you could let him/her eat pizza once a week provided he/she agrees to drink soup and eat a whole bunch of low carb food at least 2-3 days a week.
Be realistic in your expectations and let your child feel that they should take responsibility for their actions. Make it clear to them that you cannot watch over them or be after them all the time, so the responsibility of looking after their health is solely up to them.
It is also a very good idea to get your child involved in diabetes help groups for teenagers so that they will know there are other people going through the same situation and emotions that he/she is going through. Perhaps it will come as a ‘soothing experience’ of sharing daily up and downs, where they will find comfort and share their own ways and means of dealing with certain situations, in their own customized way.
Most important of all is to give your teenager enough liberty to make the choices of diet and exercise they want but also make them aware of the consequences they will face if they comply with the regulations needed and if they would not.
Posted in Introduction To Diabetes
