What the book covers (themes & key ideas)

Diabetes doesn't define your child - The book emphasizes putting the child first and diabetes second, helping parents see their child as a whole person beyond their diagnosis.

Practical management strategies - Covers essential topics like blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, meal planning, and handling highs and lows with clear, actionable advice.

Emotional and psychological support - Addresses the emotional impact on both children and parents, offering strategies for building resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.

School and social situations - Provides guidance on navigating school accommodations, sports participation, sleepovers, and other social activities.

Family dynamics - Discusses how to involve siblings, maintain family balance, and prevent diabetes from dominating family life.

What's excellent about this book

Empowering perspective: The "kids first" philosophy helps parents maintain perspective and avoid letting diabetes overshadow their child's identity and childhood experiences.

Comprehensive coverage: Addresses both the medical and emotional aspects of diabetes management in an accessible way.

Real-world scenarios: Includes practical examples and situations that parents actually face, making the advice immediately applicable.

Balanced approach: Encourages good diabetes management while also promoting normal childhood experiences and age-appropriate independence.

Where you'll want to supplement

Latest technology: Published in 2016, it doesn't cover newer diabetes technologies like automated insulin delivery systems, continuous glucose monitors with smartphone integration, or the latest insulin pumps.

Detailed nutrition guidance: While it covers meal planning basics, parents may want additional resources for carb counting, recipe ideas, and managing picky eaters with diabetes.

Adolescent-specific content: The book covers a wide age range but parents of teens may want additional resources focused specifically on teenage challenges like driving, dating, and transitioning to adult care.

Community connection: Consider supplementing with online communities or local support groups for ongoing peer support and up-to-date information sharing.

Parent-ready guide (inspired by the book)

Quick wins for new diagnosis:

Focus on one day at a time - don't try to master everything immediately

Keep a simple log of patterns you notice (helps you feel more in control)

Identify one trusted person outside your household who can learn to help

For the first 3 months:

Practice the "kids first" mindset: Notice and celebrate your child's non-diabetes achievements

Establish a simple routine for checks and insulin that fits your family's schedule

Start having age-appropriate conversations with your child about their diabetes

Building long-term resilience:

Gradually increase your child's involvement in their own care based on their age and readiness

Create a "diabetes doesn't stop us" list of activities you've successfully navigated

Schedule regular check-ins with your child about how they're feeling emotionally, not just physically

Red flags to watch for:

Your child starting to define themselves primarily by their diabetes

Family activities consistently being cancelled or limited due to diabetes fears

Siblings feeling neglected or resentful

You or your child avoiding social situations due to diabetes management concerns

How this book fits among other trusted resources

Start here if: You're newly diagnosed or feeling overwhelmed by the emotional aspects of your child's diagnosis. This book excels at helping parents maintain perspective and balance.

Pair it with: "Understanding Diabetes" (ADA) for more detailed medical information and the latest treatment options, especially regarding newer technologies.

Different from: More clinical diabetes management guides - this book focuses equally on the emotional and practical aspects rather than just medical management.

Best for: Parents of children diagnosed from toddler years through early teens who want a holistic approach that addresses both diabetes management and maintaining normal childhood.

Verdict

Bottom line: An excellent foundational resource that helps parents maintain the crucial perspective that their child is a child first, who happens to have diabetes. The book's greatest strength is its balanced approach - it takes diabetes management seriously while also encouraging parents to let their kids be kids.

Most valuable for: Newly diagnosed families and those struggling to find balance between diabetes management and normal family life. The "kids first" philosophy is genuinely helpful for maintaining perspective during the challenging early period.

Worth noting: While the core principles remain timeless, you'll want to supplement with current information about diabetes technology and connect with online communities for the latest tips and peer support.

Recommended: Yes, especially for newly diagnosed families. Read it early to establish a healthy mindset, then return to specific chapters as new situations arise (starting school, sports, sleepovers, etc.).

Kids First, Diabetes Second

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