From Dorm Room to Bus Stop: What Every T1D Parent Feels on the First Day
by IDS Director of Mental Health Services, Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES
It’s not back to school-i
The blinker is on. Waiting to turn onto the street away from your college kids’ first semester away. Dorm is set up. Supplies are labeled.
The bus pulls up at the end of the street for your 2nd grader. You glance down at their CGM to ensure they aren’t too far out of range. Everything in the backpack is labeled. The 1st day photo taken.
All the emotions. Too many. Fear, anxiety, hope, excitement, adrenaline…the list goes on. I did diabetes in first grade. I barely remember it. I did diabetes in college-I also barely remember having diabetes. I did it, AND I loved both of those phases. It meant diabetes, background. It always is.
For parents-now what? Go back home, stare at the CGM graph? Hope and pray the first day goes ok? Yes-and, give yourself the space to process. It’s A LOT. Its just as much of a transition for you as it is for your kiddo. It shifts the entire family dynamic.
If you are a parent, wherever you are in the “going to school” process, I see you. The fear behind all the packing and organizing and lunchbox buying and 504 plan planning. I see you. Here are a few more thoughts/tips to keep in mind as you tackle the next few weeks.
- The school is a new house-they are now “hosting” you. It may feel hard to let go of some of your d-responsibilities, AND we have to learn to adapt to the school schedule, environment and approach nurses and staff with “what works well here-how can we make diabetes work during your school day.” That approach will set you up for success from day 1!
- Please don’t do this alone. You aren’t alone. This transition is hard. Whether it’s working 1:1 with one of our clinicians, attending a group, or coming to an in-person program, the connections and sense of community you receive from others is so crucial. Our parent support group is free and meets monthly.
- Give it time. Don’t expect beautiful graphs the first few weeks of school. Your role is to support and guide your kiddo/young adult, and most importantly, LISTEN. They will always be the team captain of their own diabetes. “How can I help?” is a great lead-in question for almost any age.
You got this!
Here is my favorite T1D Teacher resource. Free to download
And as always-you can book a free 15-minute intro phone call online, anytime.
See you in therapy,
Anna
