22: How to Plan T1D Kid Care When You’re Going Away for a Weekend

Sweet Talk for Parents of Kids with Type One Diabetes

Leaving your T1D child for an overnight or weekend trip for the first time brings up many anxious thoughts and concerns. The multitude of fears and “what ifs” can spiral out of control without a solid safety plan, but how do you put that in place? I’m joined today by Annie, a friend and fellow T1D mom, who is here to read and discuss a listener question about this topic from “Desperate for a Break” in Vermont. Join us for the conversation!

Show Highlights:

• Listener Question from “Desperate for a Break”: “In planning an NYC weekend vacation with my husband and another couple, I am filled with anxiety at the thought of leaving my T1D (7-year-old) daughter for an entire weekend. My mom often cares for her and deals with the diabetes basics, but she’s never done pod or Dexcom changes. Am I supposed to give up all vacations unless I bring my daughter along? What should I do?”
• JoAnne’s Answer: “Feeling trapped by diabetes is a common feeling for parents, but it’s important to remember that we, as parents and caregivers, are allowed to step away. If the grandmother is willing to learn to do the pod and Dexcom changes and there is enough time before the trip happens, that is the best-case scenario. Another option is that there might be a caregiver at the child’s school or a T1D babysitter in the area who would be willing to help with those changes and be available for the grandmother to call in case of an emergency. This backup plan could also include a trusted person in their T1D community who could be taught what to do for the child. This backup person would need to come over, get to know the child, and be around for pod and Dexcom changes for a few days. The online links with video instructions should be provided to the grandmother and the backup person. There are baby steps that can take place, if time permits before the trip, to plan for pod and Dexcom changes. The mother should also be clear about communication expectations while she is away and how much she is willing to ‘step away’ from her daughter’s diabetes management while on the trip. Another layer to this issue is the judgment a T1D parent receives from other parents; it’s all about feeling sturdy in your own decision to go away while leaving a solid and secure plan in place for your child’s safety. Another baby step in the planning would be for the child to stay overnight at Grandma’s house while the parents are still in town; this would be a good test for the grandmother AND the mother to practice. There might be stress and anxiety for the child in knowing Mom is away, so the need is great for Grandma to be well-trained and for good backups to be in place to help. This mom needs practice in stepping away because we don’t want T1D kids to feel like their mom is the ONLY safety in their diabetes care. We want them to feel safe in the world with lots of adults caring for them and looking out for their needs.”

Resources:

Visit my website for available resources and upcoming courses/webinars: www.diabetessweettalk.com

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*For help in diabetes management, check out Sweet Talk’s Put Diabetes In Its Place coaching course. This is the course I wish I’d had when my kids were diagnosed.

*For a more hopeful future for you and your T1D child, consider the After Diagnosis coaching course. It’s designed specifically for parents whose child was diagnosed within the last year. Let me help you find a faster path to calm.