Diabetic Living Australia – May-June 2019

(やまだぃちぅ) #1

need to know


On the one hand, you know
it makes sense for your kids
to know how to help you in a
diabetic emergency. On the
other, you’re worried that
explaining what might happen
will scare them unnecessarily, or
make them feel like there’s a big
weight on their shoulders, right?
“The reality is, you’re always
better off preparing your
child for events like this,”
says Associate Professor
of Clinical Psychology at
Australian Catholic University,
Dr Leah Brennan.
Think of it this way: when
something serious happens that
you, as an adult, aren’t prepared

for, that can be scary and
traumatic. Agreed? “So imagine
what it would be like for a young
child,” says Dr Brennan, whose
research has focused on the role
parents can play in improving
child wellbeing.
“By far the better approach is

to make your diabetes part of
normal conversation as early in
your child’s life as possible, and
take the necessary steps to help
them feel confident that they’d
know what to do if there ever
comes a time when you need
emergency help.”

Making sure your


kids know what


to do if you have


a severe hypo


could be a real


lifesaver, but it’s


important to go


about it the right


way. Here’s what


you need to know


EMERGENCY


In case of

Free download pdf