| Any parent knows once you have been thrown into | | | | things that could get done during their low periods. This |
| the throngs of parenting that raising children is at times | | | | gives them a goal for the day. By the same token, be |
| an insurmountable task. Add to the mix a child with | | | | ready and prepared to "reel" them in, if their grand |
| Bipolar Disorder and you have a formula for a lifetime | | | | ideas or desires become to high in the sky for them to |
| of | | | | attain. For this it is a good idea to find a creative outlet |
| overwhelming feelings.Coping with the Bipolar Child | | | | to help them through this high time.Share with your |
| does not need to take its toll on you or your family. | | | | other children about this disorder, giving them a good |
| The key to understanding children with Bipolar Disorder | | | | idea what this child goes through each day. Help the |
| is to become as fully educated on the disorder as | | | | other children to identify those periods of the day, |
| possible, and to develop key resources and coping | | | | when the highs and lows occur. It becomes almost a |
| mechanisms within your family. It also helps if the other | | | | game for the other children to ride on the coattails of |
| children, if old enough to understand, are brought into | | | | the bipolar child when they are acting out their disorder. |
| the education process and become well informed of | | | | Sometimes creating a "signal" helps them to |
| the behaviors of their sibling.I once had a Bipolar | | | | understand when these times occur, and to either lend |
| Student and her mother helped explain it to me this | | | | a hand, or steer clear.One thing I learned from my |
| way. An adult with Bipolar Disorder rides a roller | | | | years of foster care, is to expect that if the child is |
| coaster through life. It has a tendency to ride a high | | | | doing great in the classroom and school situation, then |
| and low over a period of about 20-30 days. However, | | | | home life will be a challenge and vise versa. It is too |
| a child with Bipolar Disorder rides the roller coaster | | | | much to expect peace on both fronts. Identify, prepare |
| every day. Add to that the raging hormone changes | | | | and understand were always my mottos.Another huge |
| starting as early as 10 or 11 years of age, and you | | | | coping mechanism is to create time for yourself. You |
| have a ride that is difficult to control even with | | | | need this time on a weekly basis to refresh and revive |
| medication. The medication needs monitored | | | | yourself. A couple of times a month, find a time for the |
| constantly and adjusted regularly.Some of the coping | | | | other family members to have special time apart from |
| mechanisms that you as parents or educators can | | | | the bipolar Child. This also gives this child "special time" |
| use, is to help the child lead as structured a life as | | | | alone with another adult or with another support |
| possible. This helps them to not feel overwhelmed with | | | | family.Putting just a few of these suggestions in place |
| places to go, things to do, and expectations. As | | | | will help you enjoy a happier, more stable environment |
| parents our expectations are most often times | | | | for you, your family and your Bipolar child.Sue Mueller is |
| grander than our children can handle at most | | | | a parent to four grown children. She and her husband |
| times.Helping the child to create a positive "Look What | | | | have also been foster parents to 25 other children |
| I did Today!" attitude will help to overcome the | | | | throughout the last 20 years. |
| immense feelings of failure. Focus on one or two | | | | |