Parenting a Bipolar Child. What to Do & Why :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it’s hard for his or her parents to know exactly what to do. What constitutes an effective therapeutic approach to help their bipolar child navigate childhood and adolescence? In this book, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, both specializing in mood disorders, offer a comprehensive overview of the available treatment options and most effective parenting strategies for dealing with this serious condition.

In addition to a thorough explanation of the often necessary medical treatments for bipolar disorder, the book also details the importance of emotional regulation in bipolar children. Techniques for dealing with displays of rage, anger, and irritability in children are covered. The book also addresses sleep deprivation, one of the most common symptoms of childhood bipolar disorder, and the issues young people with bipolar disorder face in school. Subjects of particular interest to parents of older children and adolescents are covered, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, violence, and suicide. All of this information is complemented by advice on parental self-care and integrating the care of the bipolar child with the needs of the rest of the family.
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Customer Reviews

An important choice not just for parents, but for educators and any involved in working with children.

2007-02-08
Once a child or adolescent has been diagnosed as bipolar, how can a parent help? First step is to consult Parenting a Bipolar Child: it offers the basics explaining mood disorders, treatment options, and parenting techniques for dealing with emotional instability in a child. Adolescents and their special needs are included in the definition of 'child', with a different set of tips for this age group, making it an important choice not just for parents, but for educators and any involved in working with children.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Parenting a Bipolar Child is a must-have for parents and educators.

2007-01-31
Drs. Austin and Faedda have gone a long way to demystify childhood and adolescent bipolar disorder and the challenges of proper diagnosis.
Their chapter on Medication Choices is especially interesting and useful. It discusses the newest medications available for bipolar disorder and their possible side effects. Parents and educators will find the chapter on School Decisions to be realistic and they can benefit from the information and recommendations given on this difficult and emotional subject.

The subject matter is presented in an orderly and friendly format. The reader feels that Drs. Faedda and Austin are sharing valuable information and not being preached or lectured to.

The book's Web Site and Resource listings are current sources of referrals and information about childhood bipolar disorder and an excellent References section is included for bibliographic information on additional readings.

Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do & Why has earned a well-deserved place on a private and public library shelf.

A n essential book for any parent of a bipolar child

2007-01-02
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.

Helpful and clear info from Wonderful clinicians

2006-12-11
This book has very readable information about mood disorders as well as tools to help parent a child with bipolar. Drs Austin and Faedda are two of the best clinicians I have ever known.

Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why

2006-11-09
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.

Comprehensive!

2008-04-30
I have been parenting bipolar children for 25 years. My youngest is now 5. I wish this book had been available when I was raising my oldest. There are many good books on BP in children (and I have most of them), but if I could only have one, this would be the one. The section on the importance of sleep habits was worth the price of the book all by itself.

Nothing new, too general

2008-03-01
Having read nearly everything in this genre, I found this book discardable. It pales in comparison to, among others, "The Bipolar Child" by Demitri and Janice Papolos, "A Sourcebook for Families Coping With Mental Illness" by M.R. Berren, and the work of Kay Redfield Jamison.

Clear Advice on a Confounding Condition

2007-09-15
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.

Come up to speed quickly.

2007-04-09
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.

A great book

2007-02-10
This is an informative overview. The personal stories can be a bit disheartening but it is a worthwhile read.