Diabetic Recipes
Being a dad has lots of challenges. Heck, being a parent is the best but scariest job you can have! But having diabetes and being a parent has its own unique challenges.
I find that when my kids witness a low or any complication with my disease I end up feeling guilty. Why should they have to worry about their father at such a young age? They have enough to worry about. I hate it.
One evening my kids started asking lots of questions about diabetes and of course, I am always willing to talk to them about anything they are questioning. My son asked, "Are we going to get diabetes?"
It took all my control to not well up with tears. I had to hold it together. I did not want them to know that this is my biggest fear.
I said, "well there is always a possibility but just because I have it does not mean you will. Are you worried about that?"
My son replied, "Actually, I think it would be easier for us because we already know all about it."
Then the tears came. I quickly looked away and said, "That is true son. You guys know a lot."
Many times my daughter asked, "are you low?" or my son has ran to grab glucose tabs for me. So often they are like my little nurses. I am thankful but I am also very sorry that they have to worry about their old man already.
Is there an upside to this? I think so. My kids are like little diabetes educators. It actually cracks me up when I hear them explaining to friends why there is a box of syringes on the fridge or why their dad is making his finger bleed.
They have had discussions with teachers about me and what type of diabetes I have. They know they difference between type 1 and type 2 and feel as though they have every right to explain the difference to people who do not know. I am so proud of them although I swear I have never put them up to this!
Maybe I should be thankful that I have kids that handle their father having diabetes with stride. Maybe it is a blessing that my kids are the way they are.
What am I saying?
Of course it is.
George
You've got some great children there. God bless.
A great post, G-man. I've always wondered how I might handle parenting as a person with diabetes. Just like kids have no instruction manual - parents with d don't come with one either... I'm glad your kids seem naturally wonderful and able to handle things :).
Great post G-Money. It is an interesting subject, and I think it is natural for our kids to question and worry (and that they worry does kind of stink). Your kids are older than mine, so I'm going to glean what I can from you in preparation for mine asking me similar questions. No pressure though. :-)
Love ya man!
I see posts from the PWD point of view, the parent of a PWD point of view, and the spouse of PWD point of view. But I'm pretty sure that I've never seen a post based on the child of a PWD point of view. Did you follow that? ;) Anyway, they're profoundly affected. They've got to be. They're probably a lot more compassionate than many of their peers because of the challenges they see you face everyday.
Hi
I am brand spanking new to this site. I have had Diabetes 2 for over ten years, and I have 2 sons who have grown up around it. They are 16 and 18 now. I also had gestational diabetes with both of them. May I ask how old your kids are? Because there is such a family history of it (mom has it, grandmother, etc.) they have a good chance. I hope they don't, but at least they know they can deal with it if they have to. Good story!
My son is 13 and my daughter is 9. All 4 of my grandparents had type 2 as did my father. I however was diagnosed with Type 1 at 17. I am thankful that there is not a major history on my wife's side but you never know.
Thanks for the comment and for checking out the site. There are some fantastic writers on here. It is easy to get addicted to reading! :)
Take care.
As a soon-to-be mom with type 1, I think that the children of PWD will be exposed to some good lessons early in life. Life is fragile, we're not all invinsible. Discipline can be a good thing. Etc. I think there's a tendency for people to view disease as a weakness. It's important for kids to understand that someone can be "sick" but still strong, healthy, and capable.
George, it sounds like your kids have learned many good lessons from watching you manage your disease. Great job!