Customer Reviews

Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do and Why

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

As a parent of a 16 year old boy who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder at the age of 11, I can highly recommend Faedda and Austin's book. Dr. Faedda has a deep understanding of the disorder and how it impacts both children and their families. Being the parent of a bi-polar child is exceedingly difficult and can be emotionally exhausting. Parenting a Bi-Polar Child will give you a touch stone for understanding what you are dealing with, empathizing with your child when you feel like screaming at them, and finding a path forward. There is a severe shortage of sound information on adolescent bi-polar. Faedda and Austin deliver a factual, no nonsense account of what to do and why. This is a must read for any parent facing this challenge.

As a parent of a bipolar child this book hits the mark. It helps you to unravel the disease from the child. If you have a child with bipolar you have felt the sting of the stares when your child "loses it" in public, this book helps you to stand a little straighter and understand things from your child's perspective. It gives you the tools to cope, and in turn the tools to help your child cope. I have also had the opportunity, and pleasure of having both Dr Austin and Dr Faedda as part of our team for our daughter for over 7 years. I believe they worked a miracle, helping us and our daughter to understand bipolar better. Our daughter no longer sees her self as a monster, but a teen with the capacity to learn and love. Read this book, then you will understand why I am grateful for these amazing doctors.