“Stop Crying, You’re Just Being Difficult!” — But What If It Wasn’t Behavior at All?

A few years ago, I was called in for a school observation.

A 6-year-old boy had suddenly become “difficult.”

He was refusing to join group activities. Crying during lunch breaks. Constantly asking to use the bathroom. Teachers were convinced it was just attention-seeking behaviour or maybe school anxiety.

But I noticed something that didn’t quite fit.

His tears came after meals. He was always thirsty, yet too tired to open his water bottle some days. There were no obvious social triggers. And most of all — he looked like he was trying to manage something, not cause a disruption.

A gentle nudge led the family to a pediatric check-up.

The result? Type 1 Diabetes.

That moment stayed with me — not because of the diagnosis, but because of how easy it was to misread a medical condition as a behavioural problem.

When Behavior Is Really a Body Crying Out

Here’s the thing most parenting books skip:

Children don’t always say, “I feel sick.”

They act it out through behaviour.

I’ve learned to read these behaviours like breadcrumbs. They’re clues — not crimes.

In Type 1 Diabetes, the body stops making insulin — a hormone that helps turn food into energy. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood instead of fueling the body. It’s exhausting, painful, and scary — especially when you’re too young to explain it.

Yet many children with undiagnosed diabetes are told they’re:

MoodyLazyRebelliousAttention-seeking

Let that sink in.

What It Looks Like (But Isn’t)

Here are common signs of Type 1 Diabetes in children that often get dismissed as “behavioural issues”:

Frequent tantrums after mealsSudden exhaustion or falling asleep at odd timesIncreased irritability or emotional outburstsFrequent bathroom use or wetting accidentsIncreased thirst, even at nightSudden weight loss or lack of appetiteRefusal to participate in physical play

Now imagine being punished or scolded for these — when you’re simply trying to survive in a body that’s losing balance.

How We Can Support Them Emotionally & Behaviorally

If your child has been diagnosed — or you’re in that wobbly space of “something’s not right, but I don’t know what” — here are some gentle, parent-tested strategies that go beyond glucose monitoring and insulin:

1.    Make the Invisible Visible

Children feel safer when they see what’s going on.

Try a daily visual schedule with symbols for:

Blood sugar checks

Meal/snack time

Rest or “body recharge” time

Play/free time

This creates predictability — the ultimate comfort in an unpredictable condition.

2.    Name the Feeling, Not the Fault

Instead of:

“You’re being rude!”

Try:

“Looks like your body might be tired. Want to sit together for a minute?”

Emotion-labeling helps kids pause and recognize their internal cues.

3.    Use Play to Process the Diagnosis

Set up a “doctor’s clinic” with soft toys.

Let Teddy do a blood check on the doll.

Let your child pretend to be the helper — not always the patient.

This tiny shift helps children regain a sense of control and reduces anxiety.

4.    Reward the Calm, Not Just the Compliance

Instead of only focusing on completing a sugar check or eating on time, reward cooperation, calm breathing, or asking for help.

This reinforces emotional regulation, not just routine-following.

Try a “superhero sticker chart” where each sticker stands for a strength like:

Brave Body ChecksCalm Snack TimeFriendly Feelings Talk5.    Be Curious, Not Just Cautious

If something feels off, don’t hesitate to get a professional opinion. Whether physical or emotional — you are your child’s biggest detective.

From Crisis to Connection

Parenting a child with Type 1 Diabetes isn’t just about counting carbs or calculating insulin doses.

It’s about noticing. Listening. Adjusting.

It’s about helping your child feel seen beyond the diagnosis.

So, if you’re navigating this journey or unsure whether it’s “just behaviour” — know that you’re not alone.

Your instincts matter.

Your observations matter.

And your calm presence? It’s often the best medicine.

Has your child shown any of these signs? Share your story below — you might help another parent feel less alone.

Need help to decode behaviour or create a supportive routine? Book a 1:1 consultation with me here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11.

You’ve got this — and I’ve got you.

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Recommended Resources for Supporting Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Navigating Type 1 Diabetes can be challenging, but the right resources can make a significant difference. Here are some thoughtfully selected books and tools to support your journey:

Children’s Books to Foster Understanding and Empathy Jack’s Living with Type 1 Diabetes An empowering story for children aged 4–11, helping them understand and manage Type 1 Diabetes with confidence.A Kids Book About Type 1 Diabetes: A straightforward and engaging book that explains Type 1 Diabetes in a way children can relate to and understand.Super Sammy! (A Tale For Type 1 Superheroes) A positive and inspirational tale about Type 1 Diabetes that encourages children to embrace their condition with bravery.I Am Ari: A Book for Children About Type 1 Diabetes A short, encouraging book for young children living with Type 1 Diabetes or any child interested in learning more about it.Mommy Beeps: A Book for Children Who Love a Type 1 Diabetic: A story for children who have a parent, sibling, teacher, or other loved one with diabetes, helping them understand and support their loved ones.Courses to Deepen Your Understanding

While specific courses on Type 1 Diabetes are limited, these offer valuable resources on child development and health that can enhance your understanding and support strategies:

Child Development Periods: An overview of developmental stages in children, helping caregivers understand age-appropriate behaviours and needs. Early Childhood Effects of Digital Games Insights into how digital games can influence early childhood development, including aspects relevant to children with health conditions.Tools to Support Daily Management

Incorporating visual aids and interactive tools can help children manage their condition effectively:

Type 1 Diabetes Visual Schedule Chart A chart designed to help children with Type 1 Diabetes follow daily routines, making management more predictable and less stressful.Pretend Diabetic Play Set: A pretend play set allows children to role-play diabetes management, helping them become more comfortable with their routines.Final Thoughts

Supporting a child with Type 1 Diabetes involves more than just medical care; it’s about fostering understanding, empathy, and resilience. These resources are designed to empower both children and caregivers, providing tools to navigate daily challenges with confidence and compassion.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need personalized guidance. You’re not alone on this journey.