It’s a simple little envelope, no more than 3″x5″ — yet the sight of it in a child’s backpack can be enough to strike fear into the heart of a parent.  Those small envelopes hold invitations — to birthday parties, more often than not — and birthday parties mean cake, ice cream, and candy.  All of which are tempting — and to the child with diabetes, potentially dangerous.

 We have to live with our diabetes.  There’s no avoiding it: it’s a chronic condition that isn’t going to go away, no matter how much we wish, hope, and pretend otherwise.  It’s hard for adults, but it’s harder for children.  Let’s be realistic: every single adult slips up sometimes, cheats, or does what they know they ’shouldn’t’ — but we hope we’ve got the insight and understanding to fully comprehend the consequences of our actions.

If we’re in kindergarten, or first grade, or second grade, is that really the case?  You know and I know that that answer is probably not.  If you’re confronted with the birthday party invitation, here’s three hints you can use to make life easier:

 1. Communicate with other parents: The parents hosting the party probably never even considered the thought of diabetic children. Talk to them about how things can go smoothly without disrupting the flow of events: that might mean providing your own treats for your kid ahead of time — that way the host parent can include your kids in the fun without disrupting the festivities.

2. Tag along: This is especially appropriate with younger children.  Plan on being the extra set of eyes, just to make sure your little one doesn’t ‘try’ an ice cream cone.  There are adults, still, who ‘don’t believe’ in diabetes or that a simple candy bar can have dramatic consequences.  Your child shouldn’t have to advocate for themselves against adults.  You can fill that role.

3. Work with your child: A conversation ahead of time, reinforcing what can and can’t be eaten and why, is a pain — but it’s a necessity.  This is going to be an ongoing process, but special reinforcement is necessary before special events.  It’s too easy to ‘forget’ in the face of the excitement.