Funny thing about kids. They open up when you least expect it. I was playing with easy child - she was making me a super duper special smoothie in her play kitchen - when she told me that when difficult child is angry, she gets scared something bad will happen. I asked her what a bad thing might be and she said that she is afraid that he will have to go into the hospital again. Just like that.
She went on to say that just because "difficult child has bipolar, he shouldn't be treated any different because that would be wrong". She said she thinks it is mean when we take difficult child to the hospital and he has to stay there. She said she misses him, even though he is mean sometimes. Of course, she cried. I tried to explain to her that there are times when the hospital is the best and safest place for difficult child, but I'm not sure I was very successful at reassuring her.
I have put the wheels in motion for her to see the counselor at school. She will probably have a weekly session and we will see how it goes. If she needs further counseling, I will get a referral to the psychiatric hospital difficult child goes to for counseling.
When I think about it, it certainly is a lot for an (almost) 8-year-old to take in and understand. I mean there are some days when I feel overwhelmed and confused - and I'm (almost) 38. She has grown up with difficult child being difficult child, but I think the older she gets, the more she can see the "gap" his gfgness causes between him and other children his age, etc. I think the counseling will be a good thing. I'm not too sure husband is on board, but I'm getting pretty used to that.
Thanks again to all who responded.
Never a dull moment, right?
