Keep the peace
· Come up with a contract- outline ahead of time when you can ask about blood sugars/how often, who orders supplies, etc.- this doesn’t have to be a written set in stone contract but outlining these things ahead of time can help to keep your relationship from becoming strained- especially if you don’t talk on the phone very often, having it always be about blood sugars can get frustrating for both of you.
o Ex- Not allowed to talk about blood sugars on the phone but will email uploaded charts or only allowed to ask once a day.
o Ex- What to do on sick days- how often they have to call you or simply their nurse, etc.
o Ex- If there is a problem with blood sugars (unless your child wants to talk to you about it) agree that they talk with their nurse educator, but don’t necessarily have to explain everything to you.
· Keep Busy!
· Be in charge of ordering your child’s supplies (if they agree)- this will take the burden off of your child and it will allow you to stay involved
· Pack a sick day kit supplied with things such as a thermometer, ginger ale/coke, saltines, glucose tabs, ketone supplies, etc- this will give you the piece of mind that they will be taken care of when they are sick and you can’t be there.
· Get involved in a parent support group- many are offered through your local JDRF chapter.
· Provide extra money outside of the school meal plan for your child to spend on food from a grocery store (you can simply send Gift Certificates to the local supermarket as well)- often dining commons fail to provide appropriate food choices for diabetics (the type of meal plan will effect this as well- “all you can eat” plans are especially difficult).
Care Package Ideas- it’s always fun to receive care packages from home but sending brownies, cookies, and apple cider aren’t exactly the best choices… here are some alternatives:
· Sugarless gum
· Kashi Protein Fiber Bars
· Gift Certificates to supermarkets or local food markets
· Bite size candy bars for lows
· Gift Certificates to clothing stores, ITunes, etc.