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puffin: thanks again

HK- thanks and sorry I misunderstood but you have obviously gone through the emotions that we are feeling right now. I know there are many children with chronic illnesses and many worse than diabetes but there is something about the constant sneak attacks it makes on you where your child is fine one second and then falling apart the next with a blood sugar of 40 that makes you constantly on edge and afraid to leave the room. Sigh. Anyway, its always nice when people understand. Have to admit you piqued my medical curiousity though..but of course I respect your DD's privacy.

Hi,

My sibling has T1D. While it is an older sibling, my emotions about this as a child were fear and helplessness. I don't believe I acted out about it, but the emotions were intense. Also, I never spoke to my parents about these feelings at all. I don't know if your child has witnessed any insulin reactions, but these were the worst for me, and I definitely would have benefited from more parental reassurance. I'm sure they did not intend to not offer this, but were simply preoccupied. I just thought I might offer some of the sib perspective. I'm sorry that you face this diagnosis, and I have great hopes that medical advances will eradicate this disease.

With my older ds, he would respond well to being given a "job" to help in the situation. Something to help and be involved and be needed, but not too critical. He is very sensitive and I can only imagine how devastated he would be if his little brother got a T1 dx along with all of the roller coaster that goes along with getting it under control. I don't know if it would help your dd but with ds something like having the job of getting yds a drink of water when something critical is going on would be a perfect little responsibility for him.

I can only imagine how helpless your dd is feeling, perhaps having an important way to contribute and help would help her.

Hugs to you.

So, I want to say to totally take control of the environment and maximize it for happiness / soothing qualities. I use candles (supervised of course), scents, stuffed animals, favorites (toys, books, etc.), drawing space for nonverbal expression, music of all types (so powerful for every type of mood) and on and on. It might sound like a lot of work and attention to detail, but that is part of a lifetime of happiness for us. When I used to travel before all of the new air travel rules, I was the person scenting the air for fresh cotton linen scent if I was sitting next to a person who did not shower. We have to control our environments. The upside is to think of all of the great products we have because of humans with high sensitivities. I even buy my child luxury bath products if I can afford it (lavender is soothing). Chamomile tea (lots of teas) are soothing. When you visit the UK or even Seattle for that matter, you realize why humans have their routines with tea and coffee. I hate to say it but comfort food is an option but then the calories are always an issue. Anything that is a negative now could end up being a huge positive in adulthood. Remember all of these stages are temporary. A sensitive child could be the next huge designer, perfume inventor, artist and on and on. You are not alone. It is very difficult to parent a gifted / highly gifted child. It takes a lot of energy. It sounds like you are right on top of it. Great job! Hang in there.

Without wishing to stray off topic, there may be a need to mention that some individuals are highly allergic; I worked with an individual who although freshly showered could not utilize deodorants or antiperspirants. Apple cider vinegar may be a natural substitute for some individuals. Spraying any scent around this highly allergic person was not allowed due to severe negative health impact.

Well said!