Ask Our Team
How do you make your teenagers keep their routines when they are rebelling at every step? How do you insure they TEST TEST TEST !!
Responses
Alicia H. McAuliffe-Fogarty says
This is always difficult- for children and adults alike. The question of how to make intrinsically unrewarding tasks something an adolescent wants to do when they don't even want the disease in the first place is one of the most difficult issues- a double whammy! However, getting the adolescent involved in support activities like diabetes camp, is a great for the diabetes routine to be normalized and a part of everyday life. Many families report that after attending camp their child has a different attitude about diabetes and are more adherent to their regimens. In addition, rewarding the adolescent for their regimen efforts can also be helpful (just as we adults do for our selves - i.e., when we loose weight we buy new clothes). Sitting down and having a discussion about a "reward (s)" (which does not need to be pricey) without putting the child on the defensive (which is key), can help them become more motivated to adhere to their regimens. Therapists and diabetes educators can also help parents navigate this tricky terrain.Deana Herrera Walker says
I am sure most people who have diabetes will say that testing is not fun! However, we all quickly realize that by making testing part of your routine (ex. wake up, shower, brush your teeth, test, etc.) you are able to go about your day and all that you want/need to accomplish with much more ease and confidence! One of the hardest parts of testing a lot of times is getting an "unwanted" result. As a parent, if we try not to focus so much on the number but more the bigger picture it may take the pressure of your child because they might feel they are being judged or failing you if that number is less than acceptable. Also, you know your child best!! As with any other life lessons we try to teach our children, find their "currency" and reward them for being responsible and compliant!Good luck to you and your family!! I wish you all the best!
