It is so important to facilitate healthy relationships between your kids and their friends. Movie nights, sleepovers, study sessions, these are all amazing ways your children bond with their friends. Does that change if one of their friends is diagnosed with diabetes? It doesn’t have to. You may have a lot of questions if you are hosting a child with diabetes for the first time but don’t let that discourage you from having them over. Kids living with diabetes can tend to feel different or isolated, and as a parent, it is our job to ensure they feel welcome and not like a burden in their friend’s home. There are many different things you can do to set up the play date for success and ensure a fun time for everyone.
How to Host A Play Date When Your Child’s Friend Has Diabetes
Know the Signs of Low Blood Sugar
First, start off by learning the signs and symptoms of someone who may be experiencing low blood sugar.
The Child May Feel:
- Shaky, light-headed, nauseated
- Hungry
- Faster heart rate
- Sweaty, headachy
- Nervous, irritable, anxious
- Weak, drowsy
- Confusion/lack of concentration
- A numbness or tingling in lips/tongue
What to Have on Hand
There are many steps that can be taken to treat low blood sugar as soon as you notice it. Chances are, if you have an older child over, they are well aware of how to ensure that they keep their blood sugar in check. They may even have their own glucose tablets with them. In the case of low blood sugar have the following in your cupboard:
- Table Sugar (1 tbsp in water)
- Hard Candy (6)
- Juice (3/4 of a cup)
- Honey (1 Tbsp)
Make Sure They Bring Their Meter
There are many meters available on the market and I am sure that your child’s friend has one that they will bring along with them. Many meters are user friendly and if you are not used to reading or using a meter, familiarize yourself and ask their parents for tips. If the child is on the CONTOUR® NEXT ONE meter (which comes highly recommend by friends), the CONTOUR® Diabetes app has some pretty amazing features to set your mind and the user’s at ease. The meter comes with convenient and user-friendly features like:
- Wireless capabilities that link to mobile device via Bluetooth
- Collects stores and analyzes a patient’s blood sugar levels
- Features SmartLIGHT technology using coloured lights to clearly and quickly indicate if the reading is within, below, or above target range
- Blood glucose results can be easily review and shared with online healthcare professionals
Have Fun
Don’t let the fact diabetes get in the way of having fun! Allow them the space and freedom to let loose and have a good time, while keeping an eye on things. It is a good idea to take a deep breath and understand that everything will be ok because you are prepared. Of course, having their parent’s number handy will make it convenient if any concerns arise.
Do the Same Things You Would Always do
Organize the same activities you would if your child had any other friend coming over! Movie night, video games, or just gab sessions will do just fine and both the kids will have a blast.
Having a child with diabetes over doesn’t have to be any more work than if with any other friend, and can result in a learning experience for you and your child.
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Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Ascensia Diabetes Care. All opinions are strictly my own.
