I know there are much different experiences and manifestations. I just feel though like there is more to the picture of mothers and children than Bipolar or not. All people have **** and baggage and depending on their level of awareness etc it will impact the children in some way. I am probably feeling this way because I know a lot of people (myself included) whose moms do not have Bipolar and yet were/are very damaging. There are unique concerns in Bipolar obviously. As for me I feel like my children are generally unaware though the house is sometimes a wreck and I can't find clean clothes etc but I try so hard to take care of emotional lives first. I also have not had a super down for a year. Just mild. So I can't say what it would be like if I were to have a huge episode when they are a little older. I can't speak to the experience with older children.