My grandchild has only been home for five days, and we need discipline and anger help. Also this child doesn’t want the blood checks and fights with the shots.

It is not uncommon for young children to protest the insulin shots and blood sugar checks. It is vital, however, that these tasks be completed as quickly as possible. This means there can be no negotiations, no pleading, no yelling, etc. during this time. We want these tasks done quickly because that minimizes the time the child is getting attention because he or she has diabetes. It also maximizes the time the child is spending just being a child. Also, the faster these tasks are completed, the less time they have to feel worried or anxious about them.

Try this: First, be sure that all supplies are ready and prepared before you ask your grandchild to come into the room for the blood sugar check and shot. Please have one adult hold the child in their lap (gently, but firmly) while another adult takes the child’s finger and checks the sugars. As soon as the number is displayed on the meter, give your child the insulin immediately, while the child is still being held.

Your grandchild may squirm and scream the first few times. However, if you are quick and do not speak during this time, the child will soon learn that these tasks are not negotiable, and must be done. Within a week or so, everything will be calmer.

Also, buy the book: The Ten Keys to Helping Your Child Grow Up With Diabetes by Tim Wysocki, Ph.D. It has lots of practical advice about helping children cope with diabetes.

JWB