Diabetes And Sleepovers

Plan well to keep your child safe on a night away.

- Ann Matturro Gault

Slumber parties are one of the most highly anticipated events of childhood. Apart from time-honoured traditions such as eating unhealthy food, being silly and watching a lot of bad TV, slumber parties give children a chance to create memories with friends in a way that isn’t possible on play dates after school.

But when your child has type 1 diabetes, the idea of having them attend a slumber party can be nerve-wracking. You can’t help but worry about the myriad challenges that could arise, and how they’d be handled while your child is out of your care.

The good news... with some planning and prep, slumber parties can be a successful experience for you, your child and the host parent.

Dr Joyce Bookshester, a clinical psychologist with expertise in treating the emotional and developmental issues associated with type 1 diabetes, encourages this social experience, provided certain criteria are met.

“Having type 1 diabetes requires a specific care program that the host parents need to be comfortable addressing,” she says. “It’s advisable to call the parents who are hosting and let them know your child has type 1 diabetes and ask them if they would be willing to meet with you.

“If the child’s numbers are relatively stable, and the parents are convinced that their child is responsible and competent and skilled in the technology associated with type 1 management, don’t hesitate. Kids don’t want to be different and want to experience normal childhood events like sleepovers.”

Before accepting an invitation, Bookshester recommends starting with a one-on-one sleepover rather than a slumber party. A family member or close friend who lives nearby is an ideal choice for the trial run. “The one-on-one sleepover is an excellent way for families to get their feet wet,” she says.