Tuesday Topic: Does T1D Affect Your Parenting Skills?

I’m NOT a parent and after my behavior today, it might be a good thing. My sister and nephew are in town and I made a point to have quality one-on-one time with Greg (a.k.a Grandpa Henry). GP Henry is four and 100% boy – fearless, somewhat stubborn and off the charts a cutie pie. We like to sing songs, eat vitamin C organic lollipops and solve the world’s problems.

During our recent adventure on a playdate with Sara and her daughter Stella, I had my first T1D “wait a second” experience. The kids were loud, jumping on things and doing what any active three and four year old would be doing. While sitting there watching the little ones, I found myself festering. WTF????  The day started a little rocky so I was contributing my lack of tolerance to the previous days events. I should be happy, patient and over the moon about my quality time… I sprang up and told Sara I was headed downstairs to test my blood sugar.

BINGO, it was 45!!!!!  I raided GP Henry’s backpack and ripped open a bag of Goldfish. As I returned upstairs, both kids attacked me. I did my best to share, but found myself eating three and giving them one. Ridiculous! I’m trying to instill sharing and it became really hard for me to do so at that moment. GP and I headed downstairs because he was getting HANGRY. I’d only consumed a total of 14 Goldfish so I open the cabinets, snag a bag of Pirate Booties for GP while I scarfed down 1/2 a banana. At one point I attempted to sneak a Bootie only to receive the stink eye.

I dropped GP Henry back at my folks place and recounted the afternoon with my sister. I immediately felt guilty when stating it had been a challenging outing, but then brought up my blood sugar nose dive. A year ago, I wouldn’t have put 2 & 2 together, but today I realized how much your blood sugar can affect your attitude and how you respond to love ones and dependents. On the drive home while I had a moment to reflect, a few questions popped up.

1. What if I couldn’t share my Goldfish? How would I explain to the little ones the situation.
2. At what age do you tell your kids about your disease?
3. How do I apologize to a child after being completely irrational during a high or low?

I write this post in support of the brave T1Ds who have children. Have any of these thoughts crossed your mind? I would love to hear your story so please share. Not only will it set my mind at ease, it might save a fellow T1D parent feelings of guilt, shame or embarrassment.

I LOVE this little guy even when he won’t let me take a good photo.