What Children Want to Know About A Parent With Bipolar Disorder

The questions children may have, when they have a parent with Bipolar Disorder can vary with circumstances. There is nothing wrong with educating children about what is wrong with their mom or dad, when it comes to Bipolar Disorder or other mental illnesses.

I came across this site that has valuable information, in particular for talking with children about their parent with Bipolar Disorder. A little education can go a long way for children, who just don't know what to think of the parent's odd behaviors.

When a parent has bipolar disorder... What kids want to know

It was a profound revelation for me to read this article, noting that only 1 in 10 children with a parent that has Bipolar Disorder will also have it. 9 out of 10 children will not develop it. This is a relief for me as a parent with Bipolar Disorder, because the fear I have of my children developing this horrible nightmarish disorder, overwhelms me. Although I feel far from secure about these findings, it does help to subside the intensity of my fear for my children.

Jack in the box photo via http://dc.about.com/od/christmasphotos/ss/ColumbiaLights_8.htm