parenting and mental illness

[mopinko]

this op-ed in the nyt is about autism, but i think a lot of the same can be said for parenting any kid who has serious mental health issues. i spent a chunk of the weekend in a pile of hurt dished up by my bp kid in the middle of her little sister's birthday party. she is 19, and i still have not really come to grips with the distance between that perfect baby girl and the kid who hates my guts and does her best to destroy my relationships. the point of the article is the double edged sword of hope. been stabbed by that sword myself.


IN recent weeks, three stories have hit the news with grimly similar plotlines: parents accused of killing their autistic children.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/05/opinion/05mcgovern.html?ex=1149652800&en=10608b8a79d7586e&ei=5087%0A

[mdmc]

1. I know that it is hard

to be an ill parent OR to be the parent of an ill kid... thanks for the link...

peace to you...

[BigMama50]

2. There IS hope. Nineteen is the

most awful age in so many ways. Add bp and there is no peace. No peace of mind and no peace at home. Take care of YOURSELF first.

[blue neen]

3. I know how you feel, mopinko.

I have had a hard time lately dealing with my 23-year-olds bp illness.

I'm trying to learn to appreciate the small steps he takes.