Teenage Burnout?

[JakesMom]

Does anyone have a teenager who seems to be letting their diabetes responsibilites go down the drain? My son just turned 14 and has been diagnosed for 3 1/2 yrs now. He's been pumping since last year and boy has that made a difference...but now! Geez! I'm nagging :mad: nagging :mad: nagging:mad: ! What was routine before has now become a battle, from small things like him "misplacing" his medical necklace, to him "forgetting" to bolus at lunch, or only bolusing 1/2! Any advise is soooo appreciated. Thanks!

[Christine's Mom]

I have heard that this will happen to all of our children at some point during their teenage years. My only hope is that it is very short lived. It seems every appt. we have the doctors ask her how she is feeling about her diabetes. I think that there are a few ways to handle it but you might want to check in with your endo for support. Try and catch this early so it doesn't get to be to much to handle. I have heard it can get pretty bad. Good luck and you are in our thoughts.
D

[Amy C.]

I have heard the recommendation from many sources that when your teenager gets burned out that you must take over ALL the responsibilities until he/she is ready to take them on again.

[Boo]

This is one of the things I dread the most. I thoroughly expect his control to get worse (eventually in the teen years) before it (hopefully) gets better. You're ahead of me here...my son is 11, so I can't give much advice. I'll offer a few suggestions, but like I said, I haven't been there (yet).

Instead of nagging him repeatedly at home when it come times to test, take his meter to him. Wait there quietly with him until he gets a break in what he is doing, then talk with him about random things (not D) while he tests. After he is done, thank him, have him correct if necessary, take the meter away and log his number for him.

Remind him that soon (well, a couple of years), he'll be wanting to get his driver's license, and to do that, you must prove to your doctor that you have good control.

Maybe this is just a teenage thing, but why would he only bolus 1/2?! :rolleyes: I mean, if he remembers, and takes the time to get his pump out, why not do the whole thing? Have you asked him about this?

Oh...and always remember to praise him when he does something right regarding his own care! (I forget to do this often!!)

[MrsBadshoe]

I'm sorry you are going through this my son is 13.5 DX almost 4 yrs ago. I fear that is will happen some day but right now he does really well. I try really hard to praise rather then nag. But he has had a few strong lectures about what is acceptable and what is not. Lucky for me no rebellion yet...

[OSUMom]

Burnout is a real concern. Sorry to hear your son is struggling with this. I have no great advice. One thought on the bracelet thought is this. My son stopped wearing his metal one also. I found this silicone one he likes. He likes the silicone ones of all kinds so he doesn't mind the Type I one at all. Here's the link. It's for a small wrist though just so you know. My son is 6' 4" small frame and it fits him.

http://www.fiddledeeids.com/catalog.php?item=99

Take care. :cwds:

[Tamara Gamble]

I have heard of this happening. My son will be thirteen this fall, he's doing great but I must say that I am always waiting for the shoe to drop. There was a story a while back that was really a heart wrenching one. It was posted for all of us who have defiant teens. The mother pleeded with us to nag, nag, nad if we had to. Don't take their word for it. Check to make sure the numbers are in the meter.

Take over for him, double check everything, make sure it's getting done, try not to nag but do what ever you have to to make sure it's happening. I agree the license thing is a biggie.

Is he just forgetting to bolus or just doesn't want to? There is a difference. Teens all of a sudden forget everything except the way to their friends house and how to drive us nuts.

There are so many changes going on at his age. I can see certain things with my son. Just the changes from ten until now. Always adjusting. I don't envy you and I don't have any brilliant advice. My prayers are that he finds his way back to where he needs to be and spares you any unneccesary grey
hairs.

Tami