anyone out there have children that are adhd/bipolar? how do you cope?

Answer 1

One day at a time. Remember who is in charge (these kids like structure and limits). Find other parents with ADHD kids and co-op childcare so you can have a break. See if your insurance offers some type of respite care (to give you a break). Don't overextend obligations outside the home - raising special needs kids takes alot of time, dedication and energy.

Sometimes there may be attachment issues with these kids (esp if they are foster kids). If this is the case, read up on attachment parenting and work with the child on bonding. This has been the single most helpful intervention besides meds.

Answer 2

When my son was diagnosed with bipolar it was a very scary time. He was delusional and having hallucinations. I think that finding an answer to the problem was such a relief! He is on medications and it has made all of the difference. He is not the zombie that most people talk about when referring to a medicated child. He is happier, more centered, able to know reality from fantasy, and went from failing school to As and Bs. I think seeing my child doing so well was my first way of coping.
I read everything I could find about children with bipolar. The Bipolar Child by Demetri and Janice Papolos is an excellent book. I find it very reassuring to know what my child is dealing with (and me too.) Also to know ways to deal with different situations that might arise.
Find support. Unfortunately my family has been less than supportive but I have found it in other sources. I think that it is important as a parent to know that you are not alone and that you are making the decisions that are best for your child
Good Luck!

Answer 3

My son is 18 and was diagnosed adhd when he was in the second grade. Taking medication was easy when he was younger, but as he got older, I would find pills all over the place where he wasn't taking them. Now he is more add than adhd. Still has a hard time finishing things and his room is a mess because he doesn't put things back where they belong. I constantly have to remind him of things.

Answer 4

That is what my site is about. Supporting people like you and myself. It is a lot of work. A mother wrote me and told me what she did. She had to fight for her child. That is the only way that I know to do it. Diet will help change your child. You can read about her miracle here http://www.adhdawareness.com/ADHD-diet-miracle.html

Answer 5

Sweety paitence is the best medicine and stong disipline. You need to set rules and when they get out of hand and the rules get broken they have to understand that they will be punished. You need to be very firm.

Answer 6

i have bi-polar disorder and so does my father. so it is really hard to deal with. you just have to try and be patient and help your child through it. you can try medicines and stuff but they dont always work.