Info for parents of kids & teens living with T1D

Your resource hub for parents and carers of children and teenagers living with type 1 diabetes.

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Halloween and type 1 diabetes: 5 tips for families
Resources for Parents

Halloween and type 1 diabetes: 5 tips for families

Your child should never miss out on fun experiences because of their type 1 diabetes (T1D) – and Halloween is no exception! As the spooky season continues to rise in popularity in Australia, more families are taking part in the traditions of wearing fun costumes and trick-or-treating. And, of course, eating all the lollies and […]
The best kids’ books about type 1 diabetes
Resources for Parents

The best kids’ books about type 1 diabetes

Managing the emotional aspects of type 1 diabetes (T1D) with your child can be challenging, but there are many resources to support you along the way. Children’s books are a fantastic way to engage your child and start conversations about T1D. They help normalise the condition and show your child (and their siblings and friends!) […]
Tips for young drivers with type 1 diabetes (and their parents)
Travel

Tips for young drivers with type 1 diabetes (and their parents)

Ready to get your driver licence – your Ls, Ps or full licence? It’s understandable that you can’t wait to hit the road (while your parents/carers may be a bit more nervous about it all!). As always, living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) shouldn’t stop you from living your best life – there are just […]
Parenting a child who lives with T1D: what to expect at different ages
Resources for Parents

Parenting a child who lives with T1D: what to expect at different ages

This article is adapted from ‘If You’re Okay, They’re Okay’, JDRF’s guide for parents raising children and teenagers living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The book was written by Simone Collins, a senior diabetes social worker, and Elissa Jacobs, a clinical psychologist. Get your free copy here. When it comes to T1D management, what can […]
Maggie Dent: building resilience in kids who live with type 1 diabetes (VIDEO)
Resources for Parents

Maggie Dent: building resilience in kids who live with type 1 diabetes (VIDEO)

Maggie Dent – AKA the “queen of common sense” – is best known as a popular parenting author and educator. But what many people don’t know is that she’s also the mum of a son who lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D). With that in mind, Maggie was a guest speaker at JDRF’s 2023 Type […]
Top tips for prepping a babysitter to watch your child with type 1 diabetes 
Resources for Parents

Top tips for prepping a babysitter to watch your child with type 1 diabetes 

Finding a great babysitter can be a challenge for many families – and when type 1 diabetes (T1D) is added to the mix, it can make it even trickier. Babysitters can be daunted by the idea of managing a child’s diabetes in their care, and as a parent it’s only natural to worry about your […]
Helping your child cope with injections and finger pricks
Resources for Parents

Helping your child cope with injections and finger pricks

Let’s face it, nobody enjoys having injections and finger pricks. And this is especially true for young children living with type 1 diabetes, as they’re too little to really understand why they’re needed. The early days after diagnosis can be challenging as families try to find tactics and routines that help them get through the […]
8 things to know about hypogylcaemia in kids
Resources for Parents

8 things to know about hypogylcaemia in kids

A low blood glucose level, known as hypoglycaemia (also called a ‘hypo’ or a ‘low’) is one of the most important things to monitor when a person is living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Hypos are a normal part of life for people with type 1 diabetes – in fact, most children have a hypo […]
Type 1 diabetes and working: tips for job-hunting
Resources for Parents

Type 1 diabetes and working: tips for job-hunting

So the day has arrived when you’re ready to find your first job, or you’re ready to a find a new role. What’s next? The start of a new job is a big milestone, and you naturally want everything to go smoothly. With some extra planning and communication you can be safe, happy and successful […]
Support for siblings of children living with type 1 diabetes
Resources for Parents

Support for siblings of children living with type 1 diabetes

If you have experience with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you’ll know that it can affect the whole family. And siblings of a child living with T1D can also be impacted by their brother or sister’s diagnosis. Although they’re not the ones being treated for T1D, siblings can be significantly impacted in lots of other ways. […]
Play and your child who lives with type 1 diabetes
Resources for Parents

Play and your child who lives with type 1 diabetes

From a very young age, children learn about the world and how to interact with others through play. Play is vital to healthy brain development and helps children build their physical, mental and emotional strength. Of course, when a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at a young age, it’s a huge adjustment for […]
Type 1 diabetes camps for kids and teens
Resources for Parents

Type 1 diabetes camps for kids and teens

Did you know that there are camps just for kids who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? It’s true: there are kids’ camps where carb counting, hypos, injections and bolusing are very much part of the agenda. It’s a place where all kids living with T1D can feel free and safe to be away from […]
Talking about type 1 diabetes with friends: tips for teens
Resources for Parents

Talking about type 1 diabetes with friends: tips for teens

The teen years can be awkward, with many young people just wanting to blend in with the crowd. Exploring new interests, fashion, relationships and freedom can be lots of fun – but what happens when type 1 diabetes (T1D) also has a place in this lifestyle? One of the most powerful and positive things your […]
Type 1 diabetes and travel: helpful tips and resources (video)
Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes and travel: helpful tips and resources (video)

Heading somewhere on holidays and wondering how to best manage your type 1 diabetes while you’re away – both while you’re in transit and once you arrive? In our June ‘Let’s Talk T1D’ session, diabetes educator Fiona Scott and JDRF mental health lead Melanie Cullen shared a wealth of tips and information to help you […]
Parties, special occasions, and your child’s type 1 diabetes
Resources for Parents

Parties, special occasions, and your child’s type 1 diabetes

There’s no doubt that parties and special occasions can be a stressful experience for T1D parents, especially with younger children or those who have been recently diagnosed. Tables of party food and lots of excitement and activity can be a tricky combination when it comes to keeping blood glucose levels (BGLs) in range. But it’s […]
Your child’s return to school after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis
Resources for Parents

Your child’s return to school after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis

The days, weeks and months following your child’s type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis are full of firsts. And one of the biggest milestones your family will work towards is your child’s first day back at preschool or school.  You’ll no doubt be feeling uncertain and will have many questions in the lead up to their […]
Back to school with type 1 diabetes (video & resources)
Resources for Parents

Back to school with type 1 diabetes (video & resources)

Whether your child is going to school for the first time, they’re attending a new school, or they’re heading back somewhere familiar, you probably have lots of questions about how the school staff and your family can best work together to help manage your child’s type 1 diabetes. Our first ‘Let’s Talk T1D’ session for […]
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): signs, causes and treatment
Resources for Parents

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): signs, causes and treatment

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes. It’s the result of very high blood sugar and low insulin levels, which causes ketones to build up in the blood. Left untreated, DKA can be life threatening. Learn more about the early signs of DKA, its causes, how to help prevent it, and […]
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Information & support

'If you're okay, they're okay': The must-have guide for parents & carers

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Breathe: a mental health series for parents of kids & teens living with T1D

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Teen Toolkit: A parent's guide to raising a teen living with T1D

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Meet other parents & carers in our private Facebook groups

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Testing Times: A wellbeing guide for teens living with T1D

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Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes, has an app!

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