- Use simple terms and answer questions simply, as they arise.
- Don’t overload your child with too much information. Give a step by step introduction to tasks. Do one task at a time, and when neither of you is too tired.
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings especially when they’re frustrated, tired and fed up. Setting limits as you would for your other children is very important. It helps children to feel safe.
- Children often absorb more than we think – they take in information along the way.
- Give your child some relief, share injection and blood glucose tasks.
- Quietly praise your child when they take on any new responsibility.
- Try not to expect perfection.
- Children can benefit from you directing them to help express their frustrations.
- Be positive and give lots of hugs.
- When your child gets older you can gradually increase responsibility.
- Watch for things which encourage your child; at home, at school; with friends.
- Help, support, and supervise your child.
- Choose a quiet time of the day to start a new task.
- Remind your child that diabetes is not their fault.
- Too much responsibility too soon can lead to burnout and poor diabetes care /management.
