Letting a child have some control

[kdarrell]

Do you think it would be easier on the child if he/she were allowed to have some control over there diabetic treatment.

[Thumperfive]

hmm... well, I can only speak from NOT having children, but I think the more information the kid has to deal with the better - having them understand why they need to check their blood sugar, for example, can only serve to keep them involved in the procedures.

[kdarrell]

I agree with you. I also think it may be easier on the parent if the child is involved, because then the child "thinks" they have more control than they actually do and they may be more agreable to some of the things you want them to do.

[Parise]

It all depends on how old that child is. You are still the parent and as the parent you have to not only play the biggest part in their treatment but teach them as well. They can't have majority control over something they don't have knowledge about. Thats like putting a scapel in their hand and asking them to perform brain surgery. Keep control and as they get older and learn, then you slowly let go.

[destiny]

Originally Posted by kdarrell

Do you think it would be easier on the child if he/she were allowed to have some control over there diabetic treatment.

I'm not sure having a lot of say about *treatment* is a good idea unless they're old enough to make a contribution in why they'd choose a certain treatment... but I think they should certainly have a say in which foods they prefer (accepted foods for diabetic consumption, of course) and maybe some say in which meter they use if one hurts more than other, etc.

[jimmys devoted]

All diabetis regardles of ge have say. Its because it affects them so much and self management is based on just that, treatment, options.
Children ae more intuitive and ndersatnding than we give them credit for.

You ahve to realize that many children ae soley dependent on themselves during the day, ahving to monitor, adjust and count.
So yes children should eb and are encouraged to be active and c\ voiciferous in tehir treatment and managment.

j

[Parise]

Given most control isnt necassary. teaching them to take care of their treatment is a must though. But there is a huge difference between the two.