My child with Type 1 Diabetes went back to school this week. Normally I have things under control.
I meet with his teacher before school starts for the term and we discuss his diabetes management plan. I make sure to make all the important phone calls, answer the important emails and arrange the important meetings that will ensure my son’s safety and wellbeing during school time. After all, his life may well depend on the knowledge and care of those around him.
But this time, I was a hot mess.
Sometimes all I can do is laugh. And Hakuna Matata.
Because on this first day back at school, perhaps I was a bit jet lagged from my recent vacation with my son. (By the way, we have a traveling with diabetes guide that has all the tips I personally use to survive a trip as a diabetes caretaker.) And I was definitely over-tired from the trip, because when you’re a mom of a child with diabetes and you’re traveling, you Just. Do. Not. Sleep.
I was waiting for emails that I thought had not been replied to (they had) from my son’s school, then getting up late at night in a frenzy to resend my emails after I realized I’d made a technical boo-boo.
And amidst all this crazy, I did my first Facebook live video. So here it is – raw and unedited. The ramblings of an overtired mother, and a real-life look into what it’s like to be the parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes.
The take-home message? If you ever feel like a hot mess as the parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, especially on their first day back at school, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there and we will be there with you again. Hakuna Matata!
Watch my Facebook live below.
5 Essentials for Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School

Relieve some of the anxiety you feel whenever your child with Type 1 Diabetes heads to school for the day.
You'll find tips on educating the teacher and nurse, making emergency snack boxes, traveling on the school bus and more.
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