Mum of Type 1 Teenager and NEW to Forums

[Babsygolightly]

Hello - my daughter is Type 1, she's 13 (14 soon) and was diagnosed aged 10 (just). We are struggling - with various aspects of emotions, control, anger - you may know the score. I'm trying to find ways to help her (and me and her Dad) cope better... Any tips VERY welcome! And if anyone can recommend a good blog for her to talk frankly to other Type 1 teens that would be really helpful. Thanks.

 

[Monica]

Hello Babsygolightly and welcome.

My daughter is 16 (almost 17) and was diagnosed aged 10 (and 2 months). I can't think of any good advice in regards to anger etc.
Does she have Facebook? There is a private group called "Type One Teens", where they all chat, discuss, let out their frustrations without having to worry that any adults can see it. It's monitored by Georgia Horsley, who is 16. My daughter is a member too. It might help her realise she's not on her own.

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/uk/

Maybe this might interest you. I'm a member of the mailing list

 

[Northerner]

Hi Babsygolightly, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear your daughter is having difficulties, it is a very difficult time for any teenager, but especially when diabetes is involved. What insulin regime is she on, and how is her control generally? Poor control may exacerbate any mood swings, but of course it's very difficult to maintain good control when there are so many hormones flying around.

You might find it useful to join the Children with Diabetes website. They are a group of about 500 UK parents and children who are very supportive and friendly, and may be able to offer you some tips, as well as those you receive from parents here (many parents are members of CWD and here 🙂)

Does she know anyone else with diabetes? There is also a Facebook group called 'The Insulin Gang' which she may wish to join in with 🙂

 

[Cleo]

hello
I am not a parent, I am a type I diagnosed aged 19.
you've come to the right place for support and I'm sending you lots of {HUGS}
Cleo x

 

[delb t]

Welcome BGL-IM a parent of a lad whose 17 dx at 15.I also have a daughter now 20 whose non diabetic.Whilst I havnt got any tips I just wanted to say that my daughter used to drive me to dispair at times with the mood swings and snappyness![ AND STILL CAN!]... whether it was a hormone thing whose to say but she was always at worst at least a week before the monthly thing.Welcome again others will be along soon with advice

 

[Redkite]

Hi and welcome to the forum 🙂

My son is type 1 and will be 13 in December so I sympathise! . I think you have to be the same parent that you would have been if she didn't have diabetes, ie. be understanding about the teenage hormones and all the problems they can bring, but also have boundaries and expectations for her to live up to. Diabetes shouldn't get in the way of her life, but certain non-negotiable things have to be done, ie. test her levels and take her insulin. Hopefully in a few years' time we will have nice well-adjusted young people and not be silver-haired and haggard ourselves! 🙂

 

[HOBIE]

I found the best thing is to talk to others who are in the same boat. After 47yrs of being T1 & still going VERY strong. My mate was diagnosed the same time in the 60s. I was helper at one of Duks childrens weekends & was looking after a group of girls the same age as your daughter. One had not self injected & with encouragement from me & others 😉. She was chuffed & never looked back. Gives them confidence for life. Good luck 🙂