I’d be interested to hear from you parents out there as to just how many months/years into your child having diabetes you were brave enough to leave them with a babysitter who wasn’t an immediate family member. I can imagine the worry would be one factor, but the sheer amount of information and training you have to give someone in order for them to be able to manage your child’s diabetes must almost put you off altogether. Dependent on the age and ability of the child in question, of course. (that’s why diabetes camps must be such a god-send sometimes).
Anyway – not being a mother of a diabetic myself I saw this guide to lining up a babysitter for your diabetic child and it looked useful…. but you might think otherwise, I’ll leave the judgement to you:
Thanks to Manny @ TuDiabetes for the link.
Posted in Kids & Teens
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Jolene wrote
Hi.
Our daughter will be 5yrs in March next year. She has had T1 since January 2008. We also have a 2year old (non diabetic). We have no family in NZ, so only my husband and myself have been involved in caring for her since she was diagnosed. We have never left her with anyone else, so have not been on a date for quite a while ! She has not been on any playdates (by herself) and I accompany her to all birthday parties. It is quite alot of information to teach someone in a few minutes. And our daughter is also on an Insulin pump, so the teaching now also needs to include the pump,etc. and not just treating a hypo for example. Maybe when she gets older it will be easier when she takes over more responsibility? So for now… dining in when the kids are in bed !!
Nic wrote
Hi Jolene
That’s souch strain on you and your husband! Drop me a line in the New Year aNd we can sort out a date when my husband can look after our son, I’ll come over and sit your daughter and you and your husband can go on a date. I’m serious – start thinking of where you want to go now (I’m assuming from your email you live in Auckland). Nic
Jane wrote
We’re very lucky that Rachel is the youngest of 4 spread out kids. Well maybe not-so-lucky, maybe its the one thing I planned well…..
We hardly ever go out and if we do it’s as a family, but Elizabeth (now 18) has taken Rachel on a couple of holidays, once to Gt Barrier Island for a week to stay with my brother
We have never paid a babysitter to look after her.
It definitely gets easier as they get older – from an 11 month old, to a sassy eight yr old who can now do most things for herself, has been a long journey.
Jacqueline wrote
When I was at high school I had a bit of contact with Diabetes NZ in Christchurch and they gave my name to a family who had a daughter with type 1. This worked out really well as having a babysitter with type 1 was a lot more comfortable for them compared to trying to educate someone else about it. Worked out for me too as in addition to being a lot of fun they always had yummy diabetic-friendly food in the cupboard! Maybe when the time comes you could contact the diabetes centre in your area and they might be able to suggest someone suitable you could meet?
Sophie wrote
Hi all,
I have type one (MDI), am 23 years old, based in Auckland and LOVE babysitting! If I can help anyone out or you would like my contact details for more information, do let me know – I guess via this blog (I hope that’s okay, Nic?)
Sophie
Nic wrote
Course, just send an email to me via the contact page…. and I can vouch for Sophie who is intelligent and a good sort! x
Renata Porter wrote
For us, I had no problem leaving my kids with friends. I went over what to look for in a low and if they ever had any question or concern they were to call me. I also probably did a no no and made sure they rode a little high to be on the safe side. My kids also call me before they eat and after they eat. Then if it’s going to be a long while, they call every couple of hours. I know the interruptions probably seem like a pain, but it was more for my peace of mind. When Kelsey was really young I just couldn’t bring myself to leave her with a sitter. Mainly because at the time we didn’t know any other diabetics and I was unsure if she would recognize signs. But as of around age 6, we were comfortable enough.
Side note: My daughter who is 16 babysits. She would love to take on more clients. I can’t quite keep up with her clothing desires, so she is always looking for opportunities to earn money. She is diabetic herself, so there shouldn’t be any worries.
Helana wrote
Hi,
I am a type 1 living in Palmerston North, I am also a trained Early Childhood teacher!! I am 30 now and got diabetes in my early twentys. I have babysat alot of children over the years and would be more than happy to help out any families in my neck of the woods. I’m not sure if this will be of help to anyone but just wanted to put the offer out there,
thanks Helana
Jolene wrote
Hi Nic
Thank you for the offer to babysit! I realise you have a lot on your plate with a new baby, so I really appreciate it. Also to the other offers to babysit for us. We will just get through Christmas & New year and get in touch again. Something to look forward to in the New Year then!! Thanks again everyone.