I'm scared of parenting my children since I'm Bipolar II?!

First: You are a magnificent mama! The fact that you care deeply enough to pose this question and maintain your own health so diligently is a remarkable reflection of how outstanding you are. Being afraid is simply a sign of your deep love and care. Let that fear lead you to the solutions but don't look at it as a sign that something is wrong with you or the situation.

Second: Information about 'What to do' specifically with mental health challenges is very hard to find. But there are plenty of things you can do in addition to what you are doing now. You can firmly set the ground rules and draft a family plan! Write it out and post it up so everyone has a guide for those 'crazy' moments. Join a parent support group for parents of children with SED. You could even shift the disciple and heavy lifting to the dad's role and keep your role with this particular child as a nurturing, supportive care-taking mom. Get creative! Families with special needs get creative about how the family works because traditional roles and rules don't really work. Keep everything on the table by being authentic, audacious and straight up about what works and doesn't work when you conduct weekly family meetings. Rewards and respite should be a part of the plan for you and this child.

I was diagnosed last year with Biploar II and my 14 year old son was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Its just me and him in the home which is often an emotional carnival of episodes and drama. We are learning to role with it, trying not to take on the fear that naturally follows the unpredictable emotional responses we have to stress and challenge. Its tough! REALLY tough. But we are family so we just do it, fear or not, we just keep doing the life thing together, rolling with it and forgiving each other along the way. I think forgiveness and compassion are the most sacred gifts we can give each other because mistakes are frequent and forgiveness is powerful!

Best of luck my little mama sista! You can do it with love and mindfulness. I believe in you!
Karen

http://synerjyz.blogspot.com

This free 97 page ebook on bipolar disorders should help you.

http://forwebresources.com/ebooks/bipolar-disorders.html

I understand why you are concerned. A child with that disorder would be a handful for any parent. I would hope this child is in therapy, and also hope that you will be getting a lot of support from your husband. I don't think your bipolar would put you at risk of being a bad parent, but it certainly could make it more difficult for you to cope with this child. One thing you might consider is seeing a psychologist yourself while you are learning to cope with this, and keeping that line of communication open so you have an outlet for your feelings if you need it. Your husband needs to be aware of your feelings about this, and lend support to you if you feel an episode coming on. Being self aware will be a big help to you. Good luck to you and your family. I hope things turn out well for you.

Bipolar myself.

Talk to other sufferers:
Great Facebook Support Group for Bipolar Sufferers http://www.facebook.com/BipolarSupport

I have BP, but not a parent, but know fellow sufferers who are. They say it's hard, one woman lost her kids custody because of her BP. You just have to focus on each day at a time. Plan it out best you can so that you have a plan to fall back on when your losing control.