Vital Parenting Strategies for Handling a Bipolar Child

Even though the medical condition is primarily associated with the adults, children of almost any age can suffer from bipolar disorder. It could be defined as a psychological illness that causes the definite patterns of temperament and behavior to change adversely. Some of the major symptoms to look out for include:

• Striking irritability.
  
• Repeated mood swings.
  
• Separation anxiety.
  
• Depression
  
• Rage and tantrum that last for a long period.
  
• Suicidal thoughts.
  
• Hyperactivity.
  
• Oppositional actions.
  
• Impulsivity.
  
• Distractibility.
  
• Restlessness.
  

While seeking professional assistance seems viable in the said case, top-notch psychiatrist, Dr. Mani Pavuluri has asked fathers and mothers of such children to be much alert as well. Let us now move on to explore a few parenting strategies that would surely help to deal with childhood or pediatric bipolar disorder. Readers are requested to buy some time and take a close look at the below-mentioned pointers. 

• It is important to maintain a predictable schedule, which is not very hectic but also does not contain a prolonged downtime. Incorporating soothing or relaxing activities would most certainly help a child during the difficult or stressful parts of a day. 

• Keeping a journal that records the conduct of a child would most certainly help parents to comprehend the varied types of mood he or she has, detect the potential triggers, and become ready to handle those challenging episodes of outburst. 

• Highly competent professionals performing child psychiatry on bipolar disorder have emphasized upon the significance of planning and preparing for things in advance. Doing so would allow parents to avoid those specific situations that could lead to meltdowns. 

• It is necessary not to compare your children with their friends and siblings. Make sure to understand their special needs and be patient while they are striving to achieve something. Instead of thinking long-term, feel free to set immediate objectives that your little one could work towards systematically. 

• Teenagers, who are suffering from bipolar disorder, become extremely vulnerable especially to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and other risky activities. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Mani Pavuluri has asked parents to closely monitor their relationships with peers and actions outside home. Keeping close tabs on cellphone usage, internet, and instant messenger (IM) also stands to be viable. 

• Decreasing family conflicts in general is considered essential as these can disrupt the moods of children suffering from bipolar disorder. Remember that parents are role models for their kids so try controlling your behavior as much as possible. In case an argument tends to become aggressive, feel free to implement methods that could effectually alleviate the tension. 

• According to well-known psychiatrist, Dr. Mani Pavuluri, parenting a child or teen with bipolar disorder could be extremely exhausting. Thus, the concerned fathers and mothers should spend some leisure time doing activities they like the most. This would refresh their minds and bodies and provide them with a renewed energy to deal with the challenges. 
  

Keeping the seven tips specified above would most surely help parents to manage children with bipolar disorder in a seamless manner. 

Dr. Mani Pavuluri and her team have lately published a book on pediatric bipolar disorder. It discusses RAINBOW THERAPY- a treatment that combines several psychotherapies such as interpersonal therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. for helping emotionally dysregulated kids. The manual also provides some amazing suggestions through which the symptoms of the said condition could be successfully tamed. 

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Created on May 17th 2018 01:06. Viewed 791 times.

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