Parents of Bipolar Children Support Group

My 15 yr old daughter acts like she's 12 years old and it seems she matures LESS each year. Socially, she's no where near her peers, so she doesn't have many friends. Has anyone experienced this with their child? I don't know how to help her. She's in therapy every week, pretty sure I need to be there to!! Have you found solutions!!

Your daughter sounds just like mine except mine is almost 21!

I feel that as long as she is satisfied with the way she is, then I have to let her be.

I keep reminding myself that she isn't out running around doing drugs, drinking or being sexually active so being immature is pretty harmless in the big scheme of things!

I do feel bad that she has no friends. She participates in a "girls group" 1-2 times a month. This is set up thru a local agency for people with physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities. So she gets to socialize with other young adults and has become friends with one of the girls - at least her version of friendship!

I like how you said "her version of friendship" . I will remember that. I read something yesterday about grieving from things I want her to, and just love who she. Thank you for your reply, it's unbelievable how helpful sharing can be.

AMEN!!

I have the same feeling with my daughter. She is 16 years old. Last weekend we were to a baby shower and she wanted to play with the children in there (9 to 11 years old); after a while, she was talking to one of my adult friends about a boy likes her at school. She is immature, even a psicological test showed this. I just decided to give her more time, be patiente. The last six months she has begin to show more mature thinking... Being hones just a little bit, but with this illnes it is better to see the small improvements and maybe no the big picture.

Your exactly right.

My DD is 9 (10 in Aug) and she is also very inmature. She is more on like a 6 year olds level. She also has her "version of friendship". It is very hard to look at her and see a 9 year old and except the fact that she is more like a 6 year old.

Yes, it's very hard. Especially, in her trying to have friends. She has such a sweet, tender heart, it's very hard to watch her be rejected by peers.

Post edited by: Mollyjames97, at: 04/26/2012 06:08 PM

We also have a 8 year old son that doesnt have BP and he like your DD is very independent has lots of friends, etc. It is very hard because my DD just doesnt understand why he gets to go to friends houses and play and is invited to birthday parties, etc. We are dealing with the fact that he and she are not attached at the hip and he is going to go do his own thing and she isnt invited. It is heartbreaking to watch her be left behind and not understand.

BTW I see your DD is on Clonidine, my DD is too and I just love that stuff!!! lol It helps my DD to sleep like a ROCK! She has been on it for about 5 years and I think I will have a heartattack if they ever try to take her off if it! lol