Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why

As the parent of a child with bipolar, I have collected many books on the subject since my teenage son was diagnosed five years ago. PARENTING A BIPOLAR CHILD now holds a prominent place by my bedside. It is clear, concise and compassionate. It helps me to navigate through the difficult times and reminds me of the basic ways I can help my child succeed. I have given a copy to our pediatrician. I want to give it to all his teachers.

The book provides thorough and accessible coverage of a complex condition. You're not going to study medical books but you do need to be informed and you don't need to be talked down to. If you have a child who at times appears to be incredibly lazy, irritable, difficult and impulsive, then maybe you have a regular teenager - or maybe things are too far gone for "normal". Maybe you have a sick child. Most parents of bipolar kids have waited for their child to "just snap out of it" and plenty of medical professional give similarly lame advice. Bipolar disorder is serious. You need good information and you need it right away. If you are looking to come up to speed quickly then get this book.

Raising a bipolar child is a frightening and frustrating experience, causing many parents to feel helpless and overwhelmed. This new book by Drs. Austin and Faedda unlocks some of the mysteries of this childhood mood disorder and opens the door for parents to learn effective parenting skills as well as how to find the best resources and be their child's best advocate. In this user-friendly book, reflecting years of clinical experience by both doctors, parents can understand diagnostic criteria as well as the most up to date and effective treatment options. No parent of a child with bipolar disorder should be without access to the cutting-edge information and tools inside this book.

I found Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why a wonderful addition to my home reference library. Dr. Faedda has so much knowledge of the intricacies of the illness, from how the child experiences the disorder to the way the parents, family members, teachers and school administrators respond to the children. Its emphasis on forming a team with your child so that you become their biggest advocate, the childs need for structure, sleep and a medication regime, to what stressors affect our children the most, are all actions that can be easily implemented and can have such a positive effect on the childs stability. The book was so in tune with my daily experiences as a parent and didn't have that "clinical" feel to me. It made me feel like there really is a doctor who listens and understands what the parents and the children go through on a daily basis.