Customer Reviews

Real Life Parenting of Kids with Diabetes

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If there are only two books you buy for diabetes type 1 management this is one of the two (the other being "Getting a Grip on Diabetes: Quick Tips & Techniques for Kids and Teens)" written by Virgina's sons (Bo and Spike Nasmyth Loy).

These books provide the upbeat message that diabetes should not rule a person's life but be integrated into whatever a person wants to accomplish. There are are uplifting stories, how to be prepared for low blood sugars in all situations, how to communicate with the school, friends, and extremely helpful tips in a clear, concise format.

When my 4 1/2yr old was diagnosed in 2002, I was so scared that the fun part of his life was over. I bought 10 books & decided to read this one first. I was so happy & relieved to read about this great woman's calm approach to her boys diabetes. Both of her boys were diagnosed before 7 & continued on to do great things with their lives. This is a must read, it will relieve some of your worries & give you hope that life does go on & your child WILL be just fine.

When my daughter was diagnosed with diabetes last May, our dietician lent me a copy of this book--it helped me so much! I didn't know anything about diabetes at the time and was frightened out of my mind! Ms. Loy has so many fantastic coping ideas--I've put many to use--this book is a wonderful tool--especially for parents of newly diagnosed children.

I have read quite a few books on Type I Diabetes since my now-10-year-old son was diagnosed 5 years ago. This book and the one by Ms. Loy's sons, Getting a Grip on Diabetes, are by far the best ones I have read. Helpful information in a readable form with suggestions that are easily incorporated in to anyone's life. This is the book I have shared with friends who have had children diagnosed with diabetes.

The first exposure I had to the Loy family was when I read the book "Getting a Grip on Diabetes" written by this author's two sons who were both diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when they were six and seven. They mentioned in their book that their mother had also written a book, and I couldn't wait to read about living with diabetes from her perspective. I was not disappointed! Her writing style is so conversational and easy to understand. It was nice to read about how she and her family dealt with different aspects of parenting kids with diabetes. My 13-year-old son was just diagnosed three months ago, so this book helped me to get more comfortable with our new life with diabetes. I thoroughly recommend reading this book.

This was a great book. My only wish is that I would have found it 2 years ago when my son was diagnosed. This is a book that is written for "normal" families that have been attacked by this stupid disease known as Type 1 diabetes. I will recommend it to anyone I come into contact that has a newly diagnesed child. Thank you for writing this book.

If you're looking at this title - you already have a little one close to your heart that has been diagnosed. The copyright is 1992 so that will forewarn you that this is dated material, especially if your child is on insulin pump therapy but this is still a book you need in your library of armor when you are frustrated that everything you are doing still can't get that perfect day of perfect 100 blood sugars ALL DAY LONG!. My son is 9 and was diagnosed in kindergarten when he was 5. I still read to try to keep up - if not with the technology then at least for emotional support. It's so easy to be the Official Trooper Caregiver but after everyone's safely tucked into bed, your thoughts are still racing. By page 9 I was in tears when I read of Virginia's squeamishness with the needles and the baby fingers - she's such an incredible mom and writer that I wish I had a friend like her living next door to me on THOSE days when you let yourself feel helpless and vulnerable. My own squeamish moment came one day when I opened the front door to the UPS man delivering 3 humongo boxes of syringes. First I felt like throwing up, then I sobbed, then I told myself - if my child can take those needles - the least I can do is stomach looking at the mountain of them!
This book opened my eyes to how much dietary guidelines have changed, how much harder it was for parents even just 20 years ago, and gives me inspiration to be the best mom that I can be. I gave it a 4 because I think Ms. Loy could have delved into the emotional push-pull that impacts the couple or competing caregivers and the strains a chronic condition like Type I puts on even the strongest marriages. But given that she knew her kids would read her book - I don't fault her too much.

When I brought my son home from the week long stay at the hospital, I was overwhelmed by the thought of properly handling his needs with the one hour orientation and pamphlets we received. This book was truly a lifesaver. It not only gave me the encouragement I needed, but along with the excellent information on handling daily situations, diet, exercise, etc. came the knowledge of the emergency glucagon kit. I subsequently, firmly requested the kit over objections by his former doctor, and was able to prevent a trip to the ER. Upon receiving further training, I learned that the information from this mom who's been there far exceeded the info from the diabetes educator. Hugs and cudos to Virginia Nasmyth Loy and her sons.

This is a book that we use are part of our "We Care 2" program for newly diagnosed children/teen and their families. It is truly one of the most positive books on parenting children with diabetes available. The information is great, the tone is very reassuring and lets parents know that diabetes does not place limits on what their child can do throughout life! Highly recommended by the staff and "Parent to Parent Network" at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.