Children Dealing With Bipolar Disorder in School (from the folks at Healthline)

I can't even imagine what it must be like to live with bipolar as a child. It's so unfair. Kids should be able to laugh, play and live as their peers do, and that can be tough when you have this disorder that interferes with how you can relate to and interact with others.

The folks at Healthline wanted to share an article on tips of how these amazing kids can still enjoy the school year when they are trying so hard to cope with this complicated disorder.

It may not offer all the answers, but it can give a bit of insight for caregivers and teachers wanting some new perspective.


Children, School and Bipolar Disorder - Get Things Rolling Now

Many children have mood swings, bipolar disorder or other mood illnesses and have no control over the way they feel and, sometimes, the way they act. Yet, at the start of a new school year, all of the cards are on the table again. Will this teacher be okay with my child's health? Will he or she work with my child? Should I be considering a special needs facility? What about the other kids? For a parent of a child with this type of condition, it seems no one understands the concern, anxiety and frustration you have at the start of a new year.

Know Your Child's Needs

Not all children with mood disorders need special schools or classes. Many of them perform effectively and even outstandingly in a traditional classroom setting. The problem is, not all parents realize when a child needs special care. Keep the following in mind:

· Does your child's doctor or other therapy provider recommend a specialized school or setup? If so, find out why.

· Will your child learn more and feel better in such an environment? Or will the child do better in a structured learning environment in the traditional classroom?

· Is it you that does not want to face the reality of what the child needs? Is that harsh? Yes, but parents need to do what's best for their child not for the parent's needs.

For those children who will be in a traditional school setting, the nail biting and frustration begins. However, here's the key thing for parents to remember: You are your child's warrior. What they need and deserve is up to you to provide to them. The law is on your side - your child deserves a fair and full environment to function and grow in. So, how are you going to make sure that happens?

Elementary School

From the start of your child's educational years, it is up to you to ensure your child's given the proper learning environment for his or her needs. Here are some steps to consider for children with mood disorders.

· Schedule a meeting a day or so before school starts with your child's new teacher. Discuss your child's condition and what it means for the teacher specifically.

· Meet with the school's principal if you feel there is any lack of communication or understanding of your child's mood disorder. Find out if there is a place your child can go when he or she is in manic or depressive cycles that are out of control.

· Take your child on a tour of the school in the day or so leading up to the first day. Be sure no other kids are there. Allow the child to see his or her room and to gain some type of ownership of it. They should feel comfortable there with the teacher. Also ensure your child knows what he or she can do if leaving the classroom is important.

Ultimately, you want to ensure that there are resources on hand and steps in line to ensure your child's mood disorder is manage the way your child's doctor recommends. This also means ensuring the child's medication schedule, if it coincides with school, is maintained properly.

High School and Beyond

As your child gets older, he or she may be better able to monitor their condition to prevent full on problems in the center of a classroom. Yet, it is still important to discuss any concerns you have with doctors long before the first school bell of the year chimes. It is a good idea for your teen to be reminded of the steps he or she needs to take to maintain health, too.

Don't Wait Until a Problem Happens

Don't wait until a teacher calls you about a meltdown to inform that teacher of your child's mood disorder. If your child does require specialized classroom education, ensure you are a part of it. Help out in the classroom or have a grandparent to so. Ultimately, this can help ensure your child is getting the type of attention necessary.

Mood disorders, including bipolar are not easy to manage. No one likes to talk about it, though. If you think medicating your child and sending him or her off on the school bus is enough, think again. Your child may need additional help and guidance throughout the school year to help them to not just pass but to excel in their educational goals.
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I know we have several caregivers of bipolar parents out there. What do you think of these suggestions? Do you have you're own? Please share. Let's talk about it.