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Medical Video: Coping with a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
Normally, you as a parent are the ones who have to tell the school about diabetes that your child has, but this can be done by your doctor. If your child has just been diagnosed with diabetes, immediately notify the school so they can work with you. Likewise with children who have just moved to school, quickly let their new school know about the conditions your child has
Attend meetings with the school
The purpose of having a meeting with the school is for the school to understand if your child has different needs from his friends and so that they can also help you. At the initial meeting, talk about the plan about what treatment your child is undergoing, no need to be detailed. Just focus on the core things.
If a lot of things are going to be discussed, make a list so that you are not confused. Also think about what you will do for your child and what they can do for themselves.
Who should come at the meeting?
- You and your partner or one of you.
- Your child. If your child wants to come, it will be better.
- Your pediatrician. If your pediatrician can attend the meeting it will be very helpful because the pediatrician is used to dealing with school child patients and how to handle it. If your pediatrician joins you, be sure to discuss your views first to make sure none of them are contrary to the other. If your pediatrician is unable to attend, make sure you talk to them first and they will explain some things to help you.
- Former old school teacher / staff. If your child moves from elementary school to junior high school or one school to another school, the presence of old school teachers and staff may also be helpful if people who support them come to the meeting and can help.
- Representatives from school staff such as the Principal or Deputy Head. It is very important that those who attend understand there will be relevant school policies and are in a position to make an agreement on behalf of the school.
Tips for productive meetings
Make sure you are ready
Collect all the information you need to support the points you want to convey. Your notes can contain notes about specific problems, relevant school policies, guidance and questions you want to answer.
Don't be afraid to ask anything
There is a difference between being assertive and aggressive. Explain your points clearly. If you don't agree with what the school says, politely convey your objections.
- Maybe this is the first time the school has students with diabetes so you should be patient in explaining the situation. Show that you value the school who is willing to try to understand your child's condition. Assure school staff that you and your pediatrician also help.
- Receive advice from others.
We will certainly be happy if we have opinions that are heard by others, but it will be even better if we also want to receive advice and input from others.
- Don't be easily offended
Sometimes there are people who behave without regard to the surrounding reaction, if this happens when you are discussing, try not to overlook and better focus on the discussion.
