There’s no reason why diabetes should stop you from moving out of home. It’s just one more thing you’ll be dealing with – independently.
Independence is a great thing. You’ve probably spent months dreaming of it already, especially when your parents ask you to tidy your room for the hundredth time.
Out on your own, you’ll have none of that. You’ll also miss out, though, on having washing done for you and hot meals arriving as if by magic. Being reminded by your mum to take your glucose tablets with you might be annoying, but when you’re out on your own it’ll be down to you to sort yourself out.
This is not to put you off making that move – it’s just worth thinking about some of the following before you do:
- How much do you rely on your family when it comes to diabetes?
- What things would you have to take on yourself if you moved away?
- Could you handle it on top of the other things you would be dealing with such as bills, cleaning, study, work and so on?
Living away from home
If you take a job in a new area or are going off to college, you could be facing the prospect of sharing a flat with other people. The things that will probably worry you and your parents most are:
- the idea of hypos away from your family
- sharing the food and cooking with others.
Neither of these need to be a problem or a battleground with your parents. Reassure them by showing them that you know it’s important to tell people you are around a lot (including flatmates) about your diabetes and how to help you if you need it.
Show them you know how to cook the basics to keep yourself healthy – and remember, this won’t mean having to buy special or different food from others in the house.
Can cook, will cook
It takes motivation to start preparing a meal at the end of the day, especially if you are just cooking for yourself. But it’s important to have regular meals and something to eat before you go to bed, especially if you’re going out (or have been out) to the pub or a party.
Be gentle with them
As exciting as it is for you, it can be upsetting for parents when their children fly the nest. After so many years of catering to your every need, there will be a big gap in their lives when you go. Try to be understanding and resist the urge to get into an argument, even if they seem overprotective at times.
You will have a new relationship with your parents when you start living away from home. They may relate to you more on equal terms once they see you standing on your own two feet, doing your own thing.
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