If you have depression, PPD, anxiety, bipolar or another mood disorder, it can add an extra layer of challenges to parenting. 🧡 But don’t feel guilty — if you’re aware of your mental health condition, and are learning to manage your symptoms, that’s actually a superpower! Of course you don’t want your kid to have to feel bad or scared about *your* mental and emotional state. But keeping it a secret can just make them feel worse about it in the long run. Modeling open communication and healthy treatment can go a long way to support their future mental health and emotional skills! 💬 So when you’re ready to explain your mental health struggles with your kids, here’s a sample script adapted for different ages. Of course how you choose to introduce it will depend on your specific condition and the child you have, but you’ll want to: ✅ Explain that your mood disorder is being treated ✅ Reassure them that it’s not their fault ✅ Open the door to future questions or concerns It may help to have a partner, coparent, or other supportive family member there when you’re talking, so that your child knows they (and you) have love and support from all sides. 💞 #parentstogether #mentalhealth #toughconvos #conversationswithkids #scriptsforparents #overcomingobstacles #youreenough #giveyourselfgrace #emotionalintelligence #bekindtoyourself #yougotthis #wellnesswednesday #emotionalwellbeing #bepatient #acceptyourself #nobodysperfect #mentalhealthtips #introspection #persevere