How to Parent a Bipolar Child
After the bipolar disorder diagnosis, it’s hard to figure out what to do next. Your parenting techniques must change in order to accommodate a disorder that is often difficult to deal with. For a child, learning to deal with constantly changing emotions is frustrating and sometimes embarrassing. As a parent, it is your responsibility to explore new parenting techniques to help your child adjust to a new and often scary situation.
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Things You'll Need
- Diagnosis, medicines and psychiatrist
- Books about bipolar and other diagnoses
- Child development information
- Movies, popcorn and picnics
- Patience and a positive attitude
Instructions
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Talk about bipolar disorder with your child. Be honest with your child about what bipolar disorder consists of. Talk to him about the type of medications he must take and what the medications do. Encourage your child to ask you and the doctor questions. Explain that getting used to bipolar disorder will take time. Tell your child that having a disorder does not make him any different from any other child.
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Implement daily routines. Bipolar children need routines for everything from meals and bedtimes to homework and school. Create a chart that shows specific times for things such as chores, meals and bedtime rituals. Getting into routines helps keep your bipolar child calm by letting him know what is coming next or what to expect during certain parts of the day. Go over these routines with your child and talk to him about how each routine makes him feel.
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Approach each emotion with understanding. Bipolar children have a hard time controlling emotions as they happen. As the child becomes accustomed to his disorder, learning the best way to control emotions becomes easier. When your child has a tantrum, gets upset or acts inappropriately, stay calm in the situation and talk to him in a soothing, calm voice. Talk through each situation and help the child find a better approach.
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Give your child a journal and tell him to write out his feelings and emotions. If your child does not enjoy writing, recommend painting or drawing. Having a creative outlet gives your child a place to direct his frustrations.
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Encourage your child to make friends and form lasting relationships. You must keep your child social. Helping your child stay social not only wards off potential depression, but also shows your child that having a disorder does not affect how others feel about him. Schedule play dates and slumber parties for your child. Encourage him to go to dances or out to the movies.
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Show your child love and understanding. Situations will not always go smoothly. However, consistently showing your child love and understanding encourages the child to keep going. Not everyone will understand bipolar disorder. Having a trusting parent on your child’s side helps alleviate the frustration of others that do not understand the situation.
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Stick to doctor’s appointments. Even if your child acts fine or calm, always go to the doctor. Medications may need adjusting even if your child shows no symptoms.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your doctor’s information handy if you ever have any questions or if your child begins acting strangely.
Never take your child off medication or medicate him yourself. Always consult a doctor about bipolar disorder medication.
Never overlook symptoms or ignore strange behavior.
