On our way to her weekly ballet class, Summer began to tell me about a conversation she had with her peers at the after-school program.  According to her, a group of kids asked her if her mother worked and she replied, “yes.”  Then, they asked where her mother worked.  She explained that her mother started and runs an organization for women with diabetes.  They asked why she “started an organization for women with diabetes when she doesn’t have diabetes” and Summer replied, “My mom DOES have diabetes!”  An argument then ensued with the other students proclaiming, “She (your mother) can’t have diabetes.  She doesn’t even look like she has diabetes!”  I am proud of my daughter’s response: “People who have diabetes don’t look a certain way!  And I know my mom has diabetes because I see her check her blood sugar every day!  If you don’t believe me, you can ask my mom when she picks me up!”  After explaining this story to me, she looked at me those innocent little six-year-old eyes and said, “Why would they say that?  I don’t know what they meant about you not looking like you have diabetes.”  Then, I had to explain one of the harsh realities of living with diabetes ….dealing with stereotypes!  I explained that some people mistakenly think that all people with diabetes are overweight.  (She looked at me like I was crazy!)  She replied (quite defensively), “There are lots of people with diabetes who aren’t overweight!!  Like at the Planning Committee Meetings, Shandra or Kelli, or none of the other women are overweight!”  I smiled to myself, happy that Summer has received the right messages about living with diabetes and has not fallen victim to the stereotypes! I was also quite proud of her assertiveness in arguing with the other kids.  She is very protective of me! J

It’s in these small everyday conversation an educated child can educate other children about the realities of diabetes.  I have talked to women who feel that they are protecting their children by not talking about their diabetes, but I think much more can be achieved by talking about our diabetes with our children and serving as a positive role model.

I’m proud of my little Summer B for being a strong advocate for me and other women with diabetes!