Prioritizing School Needs During the Holidays When Your Child Has Type 1 Diabetes

Written By Alexandra .

Because holiday chaos shouldn’t mean blood sugar chaos.

The holidays at school are magical, but let’s be honest — they’re also a complete whirlwind. There are class parties, hot cocoa days, candy canes being passed out like confetti, schedule changes, excitement highs, and substitute teachers who are just trying to keep the glitter out of their shoes.

And when your child has Type 1 Diabetes, the holiday season at school becomes a whole new level of planning and emotional load.

This guide is here to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported — not overwhelmed. 💙✨

The Holiday Season = A Whole New Set of T1D Variables

December brings:

  • Unpredictable schedules

  • Surprise class treats

  • Extra recess

  • Cold weather

  • Class rotations

  • Sugar-heavy party menus

All of these impact blood sugar. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s preparation.

Here’s how to make sure your child stays safe and still enjoys the magic of the season.

Communicate With Teachers Early (and Gently)

Teachers are juggling a million things during December. A calm, early message makes a huge difference.

You can say:
“Hey! With the holiday activities coming up, can you please let me know about any food or events ahead of time? It helps us plan insulin and keep things safe.”

Most teachers appreciate the heads-up — you're making their job easier.

Ask for the Party Menu in Advance

Even if your child’s school handles T1D well, holiday parties get wild.

Ask for:

  • The snack list

  • Drinks

  • Candy/treats

  • Whether kids will be allowed seconds

  • Any cultural/holiday foods being brought from home

This gives you time to plan dosing or send alternatives.

3️⃣ Create a Small “Holiday Backup Bag”

This is a lifesaver during December.

Include:

  • Carb-counted treats (2–3 options)

  • Low-carb or carb-free snacks

  • Sugar-free cocoa packets

  • A fun non-food treat for gift exchanges

  • Extra low supplies

  • A note for teachers: “Please check with us before serving additional treats.”

When the classroom party suddenly adds cookies or mystery punch, you’re covered.

Prepare for Schedule Changes

Holiday weeks = anything but routine.

Think:

  • Assemblies

  • Concerts

  • Pajama day

  • Movie day with snacks

  • Half days

  • Extra recess

  • Indoor recess

  • Classroom rotations

  • Special crafts

These can cause:

  • Excitement highs

  • Activity-related lows

  • Stubborn unpredictable numbers

Tell the teacher:
“If you see a trend up or down today, please text/call — it may be activity excitement.”

A little communication goes a long way.

Review Sub Plans (There Will Be Subs!)

Teachers take personal days, have meetings, or need breaks. Subs don’t always understand T1D.

Make sure the sub folder has:

  • Your child’s diabetes plan

  • Emergency instructions

  • Hypo kit location

  • Contact card with your info

  • Clear “call/text if…” guidelines

  • Simple Dexcom/Libre instructions

Subs do best with bold, simple instructions like:
“Contact parent if BG < 80 or > 300.”

Check In With the School Nurse

December is chaotic for them, too.

Share:

  • Any recent changes in insulin doses

  • Pattern trends (lows at recess, highs after lunch)

  • If your child is on a new site or sensor

  • If your child is more anxious/excited this week

Even a quick email helps everyone stay aligned.

Watch Out for Temperature Changes

Winter classrooms can be unpredictable:

  • Cold mornings

  • Warm heaters

  • Changing humidity

Cold weather can affect:

  • CGM adhesion

  • Pump sites

  • BG trends

  • Sensor lag

Send:

  • Extra patches

  • Adhesive wipes

  • A small hand-warmer to keep CGM warm if needed

Normalize the Chaos — You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

Holiday numbers are weird for every T1D family.

If your child runs high at the party? Normalize it.
If your child drops at recess? Normalize it.
If the school calls 20 times in one week? Normalize it.

This season is full of unpredictable variables.

You are not failing.
You are doing your absolute best in a situation that requires superhero-level parenting.

Final Thoughts: Make It Magical, Make It Safe

The goal isn’t perfect numbers — it’s a safe, happy holiday season.

Your child can participate in:
🎄 Parties
🎅 Crafts
🍪 Treats
🎉 Events
✨ All the magic

…as long as the adults around them are prepared.

And YOU are the reason they get to experience December with joy instead of fear.

You’re doing a beautiful job. Truly.

Alexandra .
Next

Surviving the First Week After a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis