Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 3/25/2011

Question
I am strongly considering home schooling my 10 year old son who has Bipolar I.  School has always been hard for him but we moved to a new state at the beginning of this school year and things have gotten much worse.  He is relatively stable, but still suffers from anger, frustration and some sadness.  He also has attention and focus issues.  He is not doing well academically, not making good friends and is getting into trouble frequently.  I am a stay at home mom.  My question is, in your experience does home schooling benefit the child with bipolar?  I go back and forth from thinking it will be good for him to have the one on one and flexibility to thinking that I am just sheltering him from the inevitable realities of real life.  Thank you for your thoughts and experience.

Answer
Mandy,

Homeschooling has proven to be one of the best things for bipolar children.  Not only can you give him the one on one, but subjects can be paced for him (quicker for those he excels in, slower for those of difficulty).  Many of these children find a regular school situation so stressful they literally can't function in the environment.  When that happens, stress builds up and often comes out as anger and acting out.  Once they come home to school, their anxiety lessens, they can concentrate on learning and, as they learn, their self-confidence rises.  In time, you can add outside activities, such as a structured art class with other kids or something else along his interests.  This will most likely be better to aim for in a year or two.If you can homeschool, I'd highly recommend it.  More than one child has been "saved" and given the chance to excel by doing so.
                     Joyce A. Anthony