November 7, 2011
Today I visited Allison’s class and read a story to them about a little boy that has diabetes and what he has to go through at school and why. It was a lot of fun. I defiantly prefer talking to kids than adults – there questions, while not always easy to answer, are full of innocence and non-judgment.
I wish I could say they had some funny questions, but surprisingly they were all intelligible and interesting, a few of them were really great ones. I enjoyed explaining why Allison has to eat all her food at lunch and that diabetes isn’t contagious so no one else can get it from her. I think the biggest shocks for most of them was that Allie has to take a shot 4 times a day – and then I showed them the needle we use – the size of the eyes from the kids when we took the cap off the needle was interesting. I think the idea of that going into your body 4 times a day made it more real to each of them. Allison then showed them where on her body she puts the needle and we explained that she does her belly and leg by herself. I think she impressed her teachers and some of her classmates!
This is a great practice for all parents with a child with diabetes – I would highly recommend this practice – no matter what age your child might be. By having the other students hear what a friend goes through each and every day that has this disease it might make it more real for them. Hopefully it also gives them an understanding and helps them take charge and be more active in helping Allison. By understanding that much more, on their level, what is happening when Allison is pricking her finger or lays her head down on her desk they can become another watchful eye over her during the day and have a better understanding of this disease as they grow.
I am glad we have a school system, and Allison has teachers (we had the same ability last year) that welcomes this interaction – we are blessed with our school dynamic currently and hope that as we continue through our path into other schools we continue to have a school that recognizes the needs of those with diabetes.
Until there is a cure,
Jennifer
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