This is the name we created for the Gales Creek Camp Transitions Program. We believe this represents the big-picture view of what we "hope" to offer to you, the parents of teens with diabetes, as well as to the teenagers (whom we will refer to respectfully as "emerging adults") themselves.
I welcome you!
As parents, we all have many Hopes for our children, don't we? The primary hopes generally involve hopes for their health and safety. For you parents of children with diabetes, the threats to this health and safety are all too real. I imagine the memories from diabetes diagnosis, and however many diabetes emergencies you've had (we all have them) are crystal clear in your brain, no matter how much you'd like to forget. You may, like me, consider life "BD" and "AD" (before diabetes; after diabetes).
Letting your child (still your "baby," no matter how old...) go out and explore the world as an emerging adult has to be a terrifying prospect for parents who have been the protector, the savior, the coach, the nag, and mostly, the safety net for your child. Whether this was by making the diabetes endocrine appointments and ensuring she gets there on time, or by planning the healthy meals and knowing the carb count and glycemic index, or by refilling the insulin prescription at 10 PM on a Sunday night (oops, mom!), or having back up glucose tabs and glucagon on an unexpectedly vigorous family hike...whatever the situation, parent as safety net is a huge role, and one that can often literally save a child's life, right?
So...how do we let go? How can we possibly let them go off on their own, when just yesterday we were changing their diapers, playing tooth fairy, and were the center of their universe?
How will they possibly survive without us?
We at GCC "hope" to give you additional tools, support, and connection that YOU need as you navigate not only the tumult of the teens, but the natural, essential weaning of your child who needs to gradually and responsibly take over his or her own diabetes self management. We do hope that they not only survive, but THRIVE without us managing their diabetes. That is the goal. Research indicates that a high level of family support during the developmental phase of late adolescence/early adulthood is the strongest predictor of the young adult's adherence to a healthy diabetes regimen (Gillibrand and Stevenson, 2006). We can help you understand what is helpful support, and what is not. (Of course, this varies with each family...were you hoping we had a pat answer to that question?!)
Please feel free to post on this blog, visit the Facebook site (oh, I'm new at this...please pardon my learning curve), or simply email me at heather@galescreekcamp.org or call me at 541 400 0478. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Look for more information about our Transition events around Portland starting summer 2010. I welcome your ideas, questions, suggestions, and feedback of any constructive kind.
Keep breathing, and be well...this too shall pass!
Heather Nielsen Clute
Transitions Specialist, Gales Creek Camp
