Building Independence

What They Can Learn

• Recognize how high and low blood sugar feel
• Tell an adult when they feel "off"
• Choose a finger for blood sugar checks
• Help gather diabetes supplies
• Understand that they have diabetes (in simple terms)
• Know they need to treat lows with fast-acting carbs

Parent Role

You're doing all the diabetes management, but you're teaching awareness. Use simple language, praise effort, and make diabetes care a normal part of their routine.

Activities to Practice

• Play "high or low" guessing game before checking blood sugar
• Let them press the button on the meter
• Have them pick which finger to poke
• Practice recognizing and naming symptoms

What They Can Learn

• Perform finger pricks independently
• Read and report blood sugar numbers accurately
• Count carbs in simple foods (with a reference guide)
• Treat low blood sugar on their own (with adult nearby)
• Recognize patterns (like lows after PE)
• Help calculate insulin doses (with adult verification)
• Change pump sites or give injections with supervision

Parent Role

You're actively supervising and double-checking everything. They're learning skills, but you're verifying doses, numbers, and decisions. Continue to manage overnight care completely.

Building Confidence

• Create carb counting flashcards for common foods
• Practice giving injections on oranges or practice pads
• Let them check their CGM and report trends
• Involve them in discussions with the diabetes team
• Praise accuracy and effort, not perfection

What They Can Learn

• Calculate and give their own insulin doses (with spot-checks)
• Count carbs for most meals independently
• Change pump sites or take injections without help
• Make insulin adjustments for exercise
• Recognize and treat lows completely independently
• Contact parents when blood sugar is very high or low
• Manage diabetes during sleepovers (with preparation)
• Reorder supplies and alert parents when supplies are low

Parent Role

You're transitioning to more of a supervisory role. Random spot-checks of calculations, regular check-ins, and reviewing CGM data together. You're still managing complex situations and overnight care.

Supporting Independence

• Set up text reminders for blood sugar checks
• Review CGM data together weekly and discuss patterns
• Let them lead conversations at diabetes appointments
• Practice problem-solving: "What would you do if..."
• Create a contact plan for questions when you're not together

Managing Pushback

This age may bring resistance to diabetes management. Balance giving independence with maintaining safety. Focus on teaching critical thinking rather than just following rules.

Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge every new skill they master. Independence isn't just about diabetes tasks - it's about building confidence that they can handle their diagnosis.

Normalize Mistakes

Mistakes happen in diabetes management - missed boluses, carb counting errors, forgetting to check blood sugar. Use these as learning opportunities, not punishments. Model how to problem-solve calmly.

Connect with Peers

Diabetes camp, support groups, or online communities can help your child see other kids successfully managing T1D. Peer connections build confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.

Address Diabetes Burnout

As children become more independent, they may experience burnout. Watch for skipped checks, resistance to management, or emotional changes. Provide extra support and consider involving a diabetes counselor.

Balance Independence & Safety

Even as your child becomes more independent, continue to monitor CGM data, do spot-checks of their management, and handle complex situations. Full independence rarely happens before mid-to-late teens.

Teach Advocacy Skills

Help your child learn to speak up for their needs - asking teachers for accommodations, telling friends about diabetes, requesting help when needed. Self-advocacy is a crucial life skill.