I've noticed a lot lately that some T1 parents have the tendency to say that they are proud of their T1 making the honor roll, playing a sport, etc... in spite of their T1. I have a small issue with the "in spite of" and the constant need to say they've done something even though they are T1.
Why is it "in spite of", why isn't we are just proud of them for their accomplishments. I've realized that I may be in the minority of T1 parents...but I do not see T1 as a reason for them not to do their best. I do not see it as a reason for them not to try hard, pay attention, and meet expectations. All three of my children, 2 T1's and one non-D made the honor roll every grading period this year. I never thought of it as, wow they accomplished this even though they are diabetics. I simply told them that I was proud of them and to keep up the good work.
We have our days like every D family, days where they miss school, where they aren't feeling well, where we are fighting highs and lows...I go to school and pick up their missed assignments and we do them at home before they return. They are not disabled, they are diabetics. I've read where some parents are concerned about their children's blood sugars affecting their grades, I refuse to allow my children to use that as a reason they aren't doing well. I refuse to allow them to think that D is a reason not to try your hardest or not meet expectations.
At the end of a baseball season one year, my oldest was recognized for playing the entire season with T1...why? Why are you singling him out for being a kid? I realize they were trying to be nice and encouraging, but in my mind they are saying, wow we're really impressed your doing something we didn't think you could do because of your diabetes.
Listen people and listen good...diabetes does not define my children. It does not make them who they are. It does not dictate what they can and can not do. It is a part of them, not the whole of them. It is not an excuse, it is not a reason for not doing their best, it is not an "in spite of".
They are boys, they are growing, they are smart/intelligent. They are funny and loving. They are not disabled children who are able do excel in spite of their disease. They are children with diabetes who live life to the fullest, understand what is expected of them and will always know that T1 is not an excuse to be used to not try or not do things!
Why is it "in spite of", why isn't we are just proud of them for their accomplishments. I've realized that I may be in the minority of T1 parents...but I do not see T1 as a reason for them not to do their best. I do not see it as a reason for them not to try hard, pay attention, and meet expectations. All three of my children, 2 T1's and one non-D made the honor roll every grading period this year. I never thought of it as, wow they accomplished this even though they are diabetics. I simply told them that I was proud of them and to keep up the good work.
We have our days like every D family, days where they miss school, where they aren't feeling well, where we are fighting highs and lows...I go to school and pick up their missed assignments and we do them at home before they return. They are not disabled, they are diabetics. I've read where some parents are concerned about their children's blood sugars affecting their grades, I refuse to allow my children to use that as a reason they aren't doing well. I refuse to allow them to think that D is a reason not to try your hardest or not meet expectations.
At the end of a baseball season one year, my oldest was recognized for playing the entire season with T1...why? Why are you singling him out for being a kid? I realize they were trying to be nice and encouraging, but in my mind they are saying, wow we're really impressed your doing something we didn't think you could do because of your diabetes.
Listen people and listen good...diabetes does not define my children. It does not make them who they are. It does not dictate what they can and can not do. It is a part of them, not the whole of them. It is not an excuse, it is not a reason for not doing their best, it is not an "in spite of".
They are boys, they are growing, they are smart/intelligent. They are funny and loving. They are not disabled children who are able do excel in spite of their disease. They are children with diabetes who live life to the fullest, understand what is expected of them and will always know that T1 is not an excuse to be used to not try or not do things!
Yes! I totally agree :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the whole inspite of thing. My T1 daughter is 3 years old, and I expect her to do everything that anyone else can do. I don't allow her diabetes to be an excuse now, so why would I when she gets older??
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