My nephew was dagnosed when he was about 7 (he's now 17). Their family struggled with it my nephew has been hospitalized many times, some very serious. . . but the best thing that ever happened to him was Diabetes Camp. Every summer he goes to camp for a week - with kids that are just like him. They are the same age, they have the same fears, wants, problems, etc. It has been a wonderful experience for my nephew and it gave him what he needed in order to say "hey I have diabetes and I know how to deal with it". Since he started going to this camp, he has been able to monitor things better himself and take responsibility for himself and his actions - good or bad and they have been good. He goes to a camp outside of Boise, ID - but I am sure they have others in your area or you can see about attending the camp in Boise. I know they have scholarships to help if you need the fincial help to attend. If you want more information, email me and I will get it from my nephew. My husband also had diabetes and I know that my newphew handles his much better because he was able to get a handle on it, what it does, what it is, what he needs to do sooner than my husband, who still fights it or thinks he's cured himself so he can eat what he wants instead of what he should! Good luck to you all.