Sometimes it's hard trying to find the time to spend with our kids. Me and my husband are always so busy that we tend to let my stepdaughter play by herself alot. She's 9. We feel bad because when she goes to visit her mom on occasion, she has alot of fun over there.
I do spend alot of time doing schoolwork with her, so that she gets great grades. I just am not the type to go to parks and play games, etc.

At least you are not taking your bipolar out on her, from what it sounds like. Sounds as if you have it under control in front of her? That's a great thing and you're a great mom for that! Beleive me, I feel so horrible for some of the things I have done and said while raising this girl. I've had many episodes in front of her. I yell alot for minor things. I'm always irritated by her it seems. And she's a great kid. I love her so much. It's just the bipolar in me when I'm not well that I get that way.

I think just being a patient mom and try to avoid shouting spells or crying in front of her. These are things she can pick up on and learn from.
I wouldn't feel guilty about the lack of time you spend with her if you're trying to study to better yourself for you and your family. Maybe you can pick up a short book and read to her before bed? She'll always have that memory. She 's young yet. She's not going to remember you not spending time with her. She knows you love her.

I'd say just having a positive attitude about life without alot of drama in the house. Are you going to tell your daughter about your illness when she grows up? I haven't told mine but I think she has a clue. She's smart. And she knows I take tons of pills. And that I get depressed and cry and so on.