Guest Post: Avoiding mealtime battles with Chronic illness

My first-born, Samantha, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes (link  (http://www.jdrf.ca/news-and-media/fact-sheets/type-1-diabetes/) at 18 months of age and from that day on she has been insulin dependent.  This means she needs a careful balance of carbohydrates, protein along with timing of meals and snacks every day.  Having a battle at mealtime or dealing with a picky eater just was not something that I could let happen or a trip to the emergency room could result.  Therefore, I incorporated certain strategies that can minimize this issue.  

1. Set the stage.  To keep emotions and anxiety at bay, have a peaceful environment during mealtimes, even during the meal preparation so you are relaxed when the family comes to the table.  That means NO radio or TV. Hearing news about some disaster or a recent Hollywood breakup will not help either the adults or children.  Play quiet spa-like music with no vocals, in the background.  Peaceful, quiet music will relieve stress and relax your body. It may be awkward at first but give it 30 days.   You and your family will feel the difference, I promise!
   
   
2. Be mindful at mealtime.  This should be family time, no electronics. Period. Put phones etc. on silent/no vibration, use a colorful basket or “cool” box in the kitchen or nearby room so the kids know where their gadgets are and can easily retrieve them after the meal or snack.  Not placed up high on a shelf where only an adult can get to it, there will be less anxiety this way.  They will feel like they are still somewhat “in control”. They know where it is and get it themselves when the time comes.
   
   
3. Sit down together.  Eating with your children is important, as adults we often finish our meals sooner, but resist the temptation to gather the dishes and start cleaning while the kids finish eating their meal. Mealtime maybe the only opportunity to connect in our busy lives, it creates a unified wholesome feeling.
   
   
4. Stay positive.  During the meal, discuss positive and happy stories.  Start conversation by simply asking each person at the table “What was the best part of your day today.”  I would even start the dinner off with a positive, funny and uplifting story about my day. Knowing this was something I had to do, I always searched out a good story.  This makes my day more positive.  There would be no talking about anything negative…. ever.  Like attracts like. If someone starts complaining about something, the rest of the conversation just spirals out of control and effects the mood at the table, and keeping a positive happy mood can alleviate complaining or grumbling about the food on the table.  Before everyone goes off to school or work, remind them of this search for something positive they will need to report at dinnertime.  Good practice for everyone in the family!  Searching for the good and positive in their day.
   
   

Eating properly and scheduling meals is an important part of living with Type 1 diabetes.  Struggling and fighting about food was something I just couldn’t let happen.  By creating an environment of peacefulness and being mindful helped.  Yes, battles still happened, she was a toddler after all when she was first diagnosed, but it was less of a challenge when mealtime was a comfortable, relaxed and happy experience.  

 Bonita Lehmann is an Inspirational Speaker & soon to be a published author. You can reach her at Dream big & Live amazing or on Twitter. Something magnificent is right in front of you.

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