3. Tweens and Teenagers: Require the toughest motivation potion of all! Once again, we are dealing with the same developmental issues of toddlerdom--setting limits. These kids are really into their peers and social life. They also love material things (cell phones, ipods, portable DVD players, car keys). Once again, the key is to be creative and go where the kid lives. Set limits, develop consequences for actions, and set rewards for positive behavior. Don't set up a situation where you cannot possibly win. I have taken cell phones away if my kids won't check blood sugars (if they can text their friends every five minutes, they can check their blood sugars four times/day.) Driving is big.  Driving is not a right, it is a privilege. The biggest motivation potion for teens is setting the rule that if there is no blood glucose checking, there are no car keys! Forgetting night time Lantus dosage: no sleepovers. You have to find what matters to your kid and set-up the equation: if ....., then.....  The key to remember in these situations is that you are the caregiver and source of all goodies (money, car keys, ipod, itunes, laptop computers, DVDs, CDs, clothes, jewelry, etc.

I do not recommend telling your teen that "if you don't take care of your diabetes you will lose your eyesight (or any other body part) when you are 35." That is an old age to your teen and "it will never happen" to them as teens think they will live forever (which is why they engage in high risk behavior).

In conclusion, most of the motivation potions described today live inside you! It is necessary is to think creatively and find out what is most important to the child to have the right ingredients!

Please send your ideas so that everyone can benefit from your creativity.