Helping Your T1D Child Through Isolation and Anger
If you’re the parent of a child with T1D, you’ve probably faced those tough, heart-wrenching questions: “Why me?” “Why do I have to do this every day” “Why am I different?”
It’s completely natural for children to experience feelings of anger, frustration and isolation when managing Type 1 Diabetes. They may feel like they’re missing out, that their friends don’t understand or that life is simply unfair. As a parent, it’s painful to see your child struggle emotionally, especially when you can’t make it all go away.
The good news? There are ways to help your child navigate these feelings, find connection and build resilience- and we’re here to guide you through it…
T1D, Self-Esteem & Body Image
For many children and teens, self-esteem can be a rollercoaster. Add T1D into the mix- constant blood sugar checks, devices attached to their body, carb counting and the occasional hypo at the worst possible time- and it’s no surprise that confidence can take a hit.
From feeling “different” to worrying about how insulin affects their body, children with Type 1 can sometimes struggle with self-image. As parents, it’s tough to see them feel this way- but there’s plenty we can do to help them embrace their diabetes, build self-confidence and feel good about themselves.
Let’s break it down…
Taming the T1D Worries
Managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a full-time job, and for children, it can be overwhelming. Whether it’s fear of hypos, injections, CGM or pump changes- anxiety can be a big part of life with diabetes. For parents, seeing their child struggle with worry about blood sugar control can be just as tough.
But there’s good news! With the right support, children and teens can learn to manage their anxiety and feel more in control of the their diabetes. Here we’ll explore how to help toddlers, children and teenagers navigate their fears, build confidence and take charge of their health…
Managing Mood Swings in T1D Children and Teenagers
As any parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes knows, the journey is filled with daily routines, constant monitoring and, let’s face it, a lot of ups and downs- literally and emotionally. It’s not just about checking blood sugar or counting carbs; managing mood swings is another common yet often misunderstood challenge for children with T1D.
If you’ve ever seen your child go from laughing one moment to suddenly sobbing the next, you might find yourself asking, “Is this just a normal emotional phase, or is it linked to their blood sugar?” Spoiler alert: it’s often a bit of both.
Here we’ll break down the link between T1D and mood swings, explain what’s considered “normal,” what’s related to glucose highs and lows, and share some practical tips on how to support your child through it all…