Talk about the TOUGH STUFF

Stacey Simms, broadcaster, blogger and mum of a child with type 1 diabetes

At our back-to-school meeting before Year One, Benny’s teacher admitted she was nervous about his diabetes. Mrs H told us she wasn’t sure she wanted him in her class. It was a surprise – our daughter loved Mrs H, and she’d already agreed to teach Benny, too. So what happened?

Turns out Mrs H’s daughter, a law student, wondered if Mrs H might be held responsible if anything went wrong.

As Mrs H talked about her fears, my face got warm. My heart pounded. I squirmed in the tiny classroom seat. We knew this teacher – a smart, wonderful woman who had challenged our daughter in the best way. Had we finally run into something our son would miss out on because of diabetes?

Benny has lived 11 years with type 1. We’re not perfect, but I wish I could go back and reassure my frightened self it wouldn’t rule our lives. That Benny would play sport, be in the school play, and go on overnight trips without us.

In that classroom, my husband and

I looked at each other, took a deep breath and dived in. We explained type 1 diabetes. We talked about legalities and safety. I felt myself getting defensive, angry and sarcastic, but I stayed calm as we went into educator mode.

In the end, Mrs H became one of our biggest allies. She welcomed Benny and pushed the administration to help. When the school had three more kids with type 1 the next year, Mrs H worked to get an assistant who helped the kids manage. When another little boy in his grade was diagnosed, Benny was able to explain that school would still be a fun and welcoming place. Through these experiences, and my podcast, Diabetes

Connections, I’ve learned there’s almost always a way around a roadblock – usually involving staying calm and educating. Is it tiring? Sure. Sometimes I feel like a broken record. Still, I know

I’m not just advocating for my own child, but for all kids with diabetes in the district.

It’s tough, but it’s worth it.