The Importance of Self-Care for Parents of Children with Diabetes

Parenting a child with diabetes can take both a physical and emotional toll. These challenges not only affect a parent's mental health, but can also have a profound impact on sleep, relationships, and daily life.
 
That’s why it’s important for parents — especially those caring for a child with diabetes — to make time for self-care. Yes, it’s easier said than done. You should find what works for you because self-care practices can offer moments of rejuvenation you need to be there for your loved one.

We sat down with T1D mom, Stacey, to talk about how she handles stress, mental health, and self-care when helping to manage her daughter Averi’s type 1 diabetes.  
 

Facing challenges after your child’s diagnosis

When my daughter was diagnosed, the first challenges simply included emotions of guilt and acceptance, the need to be strong for her, and trying to learn everything I needed to know to keep my daughter alive.
 
Once we were released from the hospital, that’s when things got tough. I set alarms to get up every 3 hours to see if she needed insulin or sugar. She and I were both so sleep deprived; it took a toll on us both functioning each day.
 
The biggest challenge for me personally, though was my mental health. The number of things I had to consider each day made it difficult to do much of anything else.  
 

The strains of daily diabetes management

I need to be my daughter’s advocate at all times. I attend most school- and non-school-related activities. I train friends and family on how to help her. I ensure that there are always extra diabetes supplies accessible. I spend countless hours talking to doctors, pharmacies, and insurance carriers.

During school I communicate all day with the school nurse and staff, which can take away from my concentration on my own work. I sometimes forget to simply take care of myself because I am so worried about her. Sometimes, it feels as though our relationship is becoming more of a caregiver/patient relationship rather than a mother/daughter one, which just brings guilt and self-driven pressure to fix that. 

I often feel like I no longer have a life of my own; I am just living to take care of her. People tell me all the time that they don’t know how I do it, that it all seems like too much to manage day in and day out.  What they don’t realize is that our current day-to-day is nothing in comparison to the first year, or even the first six months.
 

Self-care ideas for parents

From the initial shock of diagnosis to the day-to-day management of your child's care, finding little moments and enjoyments for yourself can help keep you grounded and sane. Some ideas for self-care include:
 

• Focusing on breathing techniques and meditation. I use this most often to quiet the anxiety so that I can attempt a good night’s sleep. However, it helps a lot when I do it in the mornings as well to start my day.
   
• Making time for sunshine and fresh air. I work from home, so it’s easy to feel isolated, but even more so when you don’t know anyone going through the same things you are. So, each day I sit on the porch for a few minutes or go for a short walk and just breathe in air and sun. 
   
• Talking to a therapist when possible. Sometimes just having an outsider let you vent it all out so that it isn’t eating you alive is all you need. 
   
• Seeking support in the T1D community, whether it be through Facebook groups, following advocates on Instagram, attending the Children with Diabetes (CWD) conference, or simply talking to other Medtronic moms. I found that adults who have had type 1 diabetes for most of their lives were able to help guide me on how to be there for my daughter without smothering her. Others taught me the ins and outs that books and doctors don’t teach you. Support groups helped me know what questions to ask at each doctor appointment. Now, I find even more value in giving that support to other parents in these situations.
   

Advice for parents of newly diagnosed children

Right now, you may feel like you are drowning. Emotionally, mentally, physically, you are exhausted and scared and you can’t imagine how you will ever do this. It gets easier.
 
It will always be hard in some capacity, as this is your baby we are talking about, but believe it or not, you will be an expert soon, as will your child. The fear that is currently consuming you will lessen, and in turn may help empower you and your child to seek continuous education.

It’s OK to let some things go — maybe you need that nap instead of finishing the dishes. Perhaps your evenings are spent inside relaxing with your family instead of trying to do everything for everyone. And last but not least, don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. There are those of us out here in this community that are here to help, too! Just reach out to the #MedtronicChampion community!

Guest author: Stacey, #MedtronicChampion