The Most Supportive Thing my Parents Did to Help Me as a TID Kid: Written by Coach Briana

Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 9, I could hardly wrap my head around this chronic illness, let alone even knowing what it meant or what changes I would be making on a daily basis to my life as a kid. 

In fourth grade, most people are not thinking about how many carbs are in their lunch or what happens when you have low blood sugar during the day and don’t have your parents around to help. There were a lot of unknowns but one thing I always knew was my parents cared so much about me and for my overall well being, that really I don’t think I would be where I am today without their support and unconditional love.

I am so thankful for the immense amount of support I got from both of my parents, learning each day and really each hour, about what to do next. Thankfully, I had a great endocrinologist as a kid. But, they weren’t living with me in the house, watching what I ate, my movements and checking on me at 2 am each night. 

Here are some of the most supportive things my parents did for me when I was a kid with TID. 

Checking on me every night at 2 am:

I have to say, I remember this so well. They just made sure I was breathing. But that simple little awareness and comfort, brought me comfort too knowing I was safe and they knew I was okay. 

Remembering to carb count with me, not doing it for me: 

I wanted some kind of independence still as a kid so being able to make my own decisions and use a little carb counting book (I am sure most of us if you were diagnosed as a kid, know what carb counting book I am talking about). 

Helping take on the burden when it was too much to handle: 

Sometimes, I was so tired, so sick of the injections so my parents offered to give me the needle pokes until I was comfortable on my own doing this. 

Making the lows a little bit lighter: 

Getting me my favorite candies and juices (sour patch kids and HI-C juice boxes-heck yes.I was a little obsessed) so low blood sugars didn’t feel like a burden or such a negative aspect of the day.

Helping me feel confident in my food choices:

My parents always showed me how to balance my meals in a way that fueled me. Instead of feeling restricted, I felt empowered in my nutrition choices.

Advocating for me when I didn’t know how to advocate for myself:

This came in two ways.

#1. My mom came to every appointment with me and helped walk through scenarios, patterns she noticed and asked so many questions that as a young kid, I didn’t know how  to ask.

#2: They made sure my teachers in school were all informed on my protocol for lows, highs, having supplies available and ready at school. That helped both my parents and myself feel more comfortable in the classroom too!

Helping me feel confident in showcasing my diabetes:

One thing I will always remember is the bright pink diabetes kit they bought me so I could carry all my supplies with me. Not only did I feel prepared with supplies in scenarios I was away from my family, but I had something that made diabetes feel ‘fun’ instead of a burden.

They supported me in things that had nothing to do with diabetes:

My parents always came to all of my track meets and made sure the coaches knew about my diabetes and they could do to help me. No matter the sport, my parents were there rooting me on.

Adapting to my needs as I got older:

Things change like my body, school system, likes and dislikes, blood sugar patterns and insulin needs were constantly changing as I entered my teenage years. As time went on, they encouraged me to make my own decisions and feel empowered in doing so.

My mom helped me to find another endo once I was old enough to graduate from the kids clinic to the adult clinic and made sure to find doctors that listened to me. I always had a say in my needs and wants but knew my parents would back me up no matter what. I was a quick learner and eager to always do the next best thing to figure this diabetes thing out, and my parents fully supported it by listening to me, letting me make mistakes and just being with me on this journey.

We usually all equally felt we had to figure most of it out on our own but man, they did a great job shaping me into who I am today. I feel like I really got the say in my choices and decisions. 

As kids, we are learning to be independent, learning new skills, playing sports, doing our daily routine of homework and extracurricular activities. Diabetes doesn’t show up very kindly or gently but it sure does help when you have supportive parents that make it a heck of a lot easier to ease into. 

If you’re a parent reading this, just know that your hard work is not going unnoticed. We see it, and feel it. We didn’t ask for this, but you didn’t either – and here you are taking it head on. So thank you for your love and support in your child’s life with type oned diabetes.

Join the waitlist for Keeping it 100 Kids: Our eight week family program dedicated to helping you feel confident in giving your child the empowered tools they need to self manage, understand the variables that impact their daily decisions and make diabetes fit into their life (not the other way around).