I have had several questions about how we work with Hugh’s school and nurses concerning his Type 1 Diabetes. I would  like to share where I got many of my ideas.

One of the main sources that I went to for school information was the D-Mom Blog. This mom has wonderful ideas about how to work with school staff in a cooperative and respectful way. Her book, KIDS FIRST Diabetes Second, was also a great resource for me when Hugh was first diagnosed.

Another mom that I follow closely has a blog entitled The Princess and the Pump. This mom is also a teacher, so she has lots of great ideas to help with diabetes at school. The Diabetes Fact page that I pass out to all of Hugh’s teachers comes directly from her, and I have found it extremely useful.

Of course, JDRF has many resources for parents sending their children to school for the first time with Type 1. This organization will send a free school kit to anyone who requests it, and I have used it many times when connecting with teachers and school nurses.

The most important thing that I try to do, however, is to make a personal connection with Hugh’s teachers, nurses, and the support staff at his school. I realize that being a teacher is a hard, emotionally and physically taxing job (thanks to the fact that I am also a teacher and come from a long line of teachers). I am aware that Hugh is not the only child with special needs  in the school and I am never demanding, rude, or threatening when dealing with anyone at his school.

No one deserves to be treated with disrespect, especially the people who are taking care of my child. Ever.

They have a difficult job in general, and taking care of Hugh does not make it easier. I support his teachers in any way I can, and I always make it clear that if something is not working for his class or his teachers, we are flexible.

The bottom line is, we WORK TOGETHER to do what is best for Hugh!