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How to tell my kids

mclgo
mclgo Posts: 147 Member
in Social Groups
I was newly diagnosed this week. I haven't told my daughters yet. 19 year old twins and a 14 year old. Here's my problem - my girls have always been "on" me to lose weight. This news is not going to help. One daughter in particular is going to go ballistic. How do I tell them about this, yet make it clear what I will allow and won't allow. Namely I won't allow them to berate me or make me feel guilty. This will be their first and strongest reaction. However I WILL allow them to support me, walk with me, make good food with me, and ask any questions about my plan of action.

Type 2 is just another in a weird list of strange medical problems I've had over the last 10 years. So they already think of me as one big heath problem.

Advice?

Replies

  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    Arm yourself with knowledge. There's a lot of solid information here: http://www.bloodsugar101.com/ Genetics plays a large role in T2. Many people falsely assume that we eat ourselves into diabetes. While obesity can contribute to insulin resistance/diabetes it's not a singular cause. No one has a right to make you feel guilty for your condition, this is wrong.

    Disarm others with your actions. After you tell them show them that you are making a lifestyle change. Don't tell them that you will control your blood sugar and lose weight - show them. Do it.
  • nczuczu
    nczuczu Posts: 611 Member
    You answered your own question. Tell them exactly this:
    Namely I won't allow them to berate me or make me feel guilty. This will be their first and strongest reaction. However I WILL allow them to support me, walk with me, make good food with me, and ask any questions about my plan of action.

    I would think they would want to support you and help you get healthier and that way you will be around for a very, very, very long time! Make this a family "project" and start grocery shopping, cooking and exercising together.

    I also agree with BigGuy and that genetics does play some part in this. It is in their best interest to learn from you so that they too get/stay healthy.

    Hang in there!!! Friend me if you'd like. I have had Type 2 for 8 years now.

    Nancy
  • JaceyMarieS
    JaceyMarieS Posts: 692 Member
    Big Guy is correct, although I admit that I've told no one other than my husband about my diagnosis for the same reasons you are hesitating. I don't need the blame/shame/guilt trip and I don't need the food police or erroneous advice.

    Here's a link to the bloodsugar 101 article http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046739.php

    and from another one of my favorite blogs http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2013/05/type-2-diabetes-and-shame-game.html
  • sabinavaughan
    sabinavaughan Posts: 109 Member
    Not sure what I can add as you have some huge advice already.

    All I can say from one mom to another. They cannot change you only you can do that. They need to understand that berating or monitoring you or getting angry at you isn't going to make you want to change. Make it a family affair getting healthy!

    come here often there is a world of support! Make yourself your priority, your girls are adults they don't need you to take care of them...you take care of you!!!
  • mclgo
    mclgo Posts: 147 Member
    Thank you all!

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