Educating and Nurturing the Bipolar Child - DVD

A number of months ago I was very excited to receive a copy of a DVD from the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation entitled “Educating and Nurturing the Bipolar Child,” which features Janice Papolos, coauthor of “The Bipolar Child.” I immediately shared the availability of this DVD with our community because I was certain - based on the phenomenal content of “The Bipolar Child - this would be another excellent resource for parents and teachers of children with early onset bipolar disorder.

A Little Understood Symptom

There are so many important points illustrated in this DVD. One particular point made very clear by Mrs. Papolos in this presentation is that research is now illustrating what parents of these exceptional children already know - these kids have so much more to deal with than just the highs and lows of mood. One specific area now coming to light is the deficits in “executive functioning."

The phrase “executive function” is a clinical term used to describe the work of the brain that can be equated (in a very simplified analogy) to the role of a manager. Generally managers organize the other employees, make decisions, maintain supplies, etc. The “executive function” of the brain does a similar job. It handles complex decision making. It integrates the work of the rest of the brain. It handles the sequencing of time and events. It provides purpose and direction.

If there are difficulties or glitches in this area, children can have problems with impulsivity, disorganization, flexibility, understanding cause and effect and so much more. Is it any wonder these children are also so susceptible to anxiety disorders? However, the very important take-home message is that these children can be taught to compensate!

Practical Strategies

In my opinion, this is what makes this DVD so special. The first time I watched the lecture I was so excited about some of the hands-on, completely practical suggestions given by Janice that I immediately setout to implement in my home with my children some of the recommended strategies. I can personally report to you that these work!

My favorite is the use of written, ordered instructions, broken down into small, manageable components. We have a detailed, printed schedule on the refrigerator and each bedroom door of how the afternoon should progress after school through lights out at bedtime. We also have a wipe-board on which we detail the specific daily chores each child is assigned. This has relieved so much stress for all of us!

I cannot tell you how many times both my husband and I have watched this DVD each time learning something new. In short, I highly recommend this resource without any reservations.