Momma Bipolar 2 Bear: A Family’s Journey to Understanding Bipolar 2
What’s inside...
As a wife and mother, Momma Polar struggles daily with chronic pain and bipolar 2. She is becoming severely depressed and once again must go to the hospital to feel better. Her husband, Papa Polar, does his best to explain her mental illness to their two cubs, Eli and Sky. He wants them to understand that there are two sides to this illness: the very, very happy side (hypomania) and the very, very sad side (depression). I hope you enjoy my book and that it helps you explain bipolar 2 to your child/ren.
Age
6-12
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the bear family's understanding of Momma Bear's condition change throughout the book?
What are some ways the family showed support for Momma Bear when she was feeling down?
Why is it important to talk openly about how we feel with family and friends?
Can you think of a time when you felt something strongly and shared it with someone else? How did it make you feel?
What can we do to help someone who might be experiencing strong emotions or challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, explain bipolar disorder in simple terms to your child to help them grasp the concept.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story and relate them to their own experiences.
Use the illustrations in the book to identify and discuss different emotions that Momma Bear might be feeling in various scenes.
Reinforce the message that seeking help and support from loved ones is brave and important.
After reading the book, engage in an activity together that involves expressing emotions, such as drawing or storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding mental health
Explanation: The book delves into the life of a family where a parent has bipolar 2 disorder. Through story-driven scenarios, it educates on the symptoms and effects of the disorder.
Real-World Application: Children can learn empathy and understanding towards those experiencing mental health issues, fostering a supportive environment both at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Family support and cooperation
Explanation: The story portrays how family members support each other and work together in coping with the challenges posed by the bipolar 2 disorder.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and participate in family teamwork, understanding that every member has a crucial role in maintaining family harmony.
Example Lesson: Communication is key
Explanation: In the book, the family’s journey emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication about difficult topics, like mental health disorders.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of discussing their feelings and concerns, which aids in developing their emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The story underscores how the family adapts to new challenges and changes brought about by bipolar 2 disorder, showcasing resilience in adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to their own lives by learning to face challenges head-on and adapting to changes, thus becoming resilient individuals.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusivity
Explanation: The narrative promotes understanding and acceptance of a family member with a mental health condition, demonstrating inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of accepting and including people with different conditions or disabilities, promoting a more inclusive society.