HELLO!!!!!!!!!!! Where are you grandparents?

[willdee3]

Started this new thread to see if there are any other grandparents who would post on here other than the FEW who have already. If we could get more we might be able to help some other grandparents with questions they have about diabetes.

I had a lady ask me the other day if my grand-daughter would grow out of this when she got older. So many people do not understand what this terrible disease does to the families with T1.

Not only are the parents and child affected but the brothers and sisters of the child with T1. How can you take one child for overnight and not leave the T1 child crying because they want to go to grandparents house TOO!

It is very hard to deal with all the issues and not be effecting the WHOLE family.

Please, GRANDPARENTS let's get on here!

[CAGrandma]

[QUOTE=willdee3;73331]
Not only are the parents and child affected but the brothers and sisters of the child with T1. How can you take one child for overnight and not leave the T1 child crying because they want to go to grandparents house TOO!
QUOTE]


Ummm, you don't take one child for overnight unless you arrange to take the other one tomorrow night. Or next weekend or whatever.

I hope the parents of kids with diabetes refuse to allow such behavior. You can't let even your own parents discriminate against one of your kids.

[EmmasPapa]

[QUOTE=willdee3;73331]
Not only are the parents and child affected but the brothers and sisters of the child with T1. How can you take one child for overnight and not leave the T1 child crying because they want to go to grandparents house TOO!
QUOTE]


Ummm, you don't take one child for overnight unless you arrange to take the other one tomorrow night. Or next weekend or whatever.

I hope the parents of kids with diabetes refuse to allow such behavior. You can't let even your own parents discriminate against one of your kids.

I disagree with you on this one CAGrandma. Particularly when there is an age disparity. We have our non-D grandson frequently on sleepovers, but have never had his T1 little sister overnight. Despite that we have an excellent relationship with her and make up the "lack of time" with more "quality time." The situation on the ground, as they say in warfare, sometimes dictates the action.

When we and the parents are comfortable with the care we can give our granddaughter she will spend nights with us. Until that time we are not going to deprive our grandson of his special time. Children can be reasoned with and are remarkably understanding.

I must admit, however, that if my granddaughter were crying and very upset it would be a difficult situation. I credit my son and daughter-in-law for their wisdom and ability to explain to my granddaughter why they (she and her brother) are not always treated exactly the same.

[CAGrandma]

I would certainly not disagree that the individual needs, ages, personalities, etc. of each child should be the determining factor. I think I was thinking of those messages I've read on this board where parents talk about how their kids used to spend the night at the grandparents, but since one of the kids was diagnosed with diabetes, those special events have ceased. When a child is used to being able to spend the night and suddenly can't anymore, it is going to seem as though they are being 'punished' or deprived because of diabetes. Sure, not the first week after diagnosis, or even the first month. But it would be awfully easy to remain "uncomfortable" with diabetic care until years go by. And I just don't see it as being such a big deal for grandparents.

Yes, having diabetes is a major big deal and so is caring for a child with diabetes. But my responsibilities as a babysitter/grandma/caretaker for a short time (even overnight) are so very much LESS than my daughters. She figures out carb ratios and programs the pump. I follow directions and push buttons. And can call her cell phone whenever I feel the need.

[georgia]

I just want to tell the grandparents to do it, to learn and to take their grandchildren with diabetes overnight, or to the zoo or the beach. Learn how to take care of them and call thier parents every hour if you have to.
My in laws are amazing, they take our children atleast once a month for an overnight. I have four year old twins (one with D one without) and they are a handful, but they do it. They call us before she gets her insulin and they call us at bedtime and often they get up at midnight and 3 am, to make sure she is safe. My parents live 1000 miles away and if they could I am sure they would do the same.
I am so thankful that they have taken the initiative to learn how to take care of my daughter. It may not always go "perfect", but then again it doesn't always go "perfect" on my watch either.
Okay, off my soap box. I just sometimes take my in laws for granted, but then I realize how much they do and how few parents of diabetics have the help and support that we do.
Kudos to all you grandparents who are involved in your grandchildrens lives. The more love the better!