I "mistakingly" became pregnant after 11 yrs of marriage, but she's no mistake. That I wouldn't change. But we were thrown into parenthood after we decided we weren't going to have any (bad math skills).

I think that a parent that has MH issues is more aware of what to look for in their child so that is a plus!! I'm more sensitive to their feelings. Like my 10yo got off the bus crying bec she had a fight w/ a friend. It really moved me to sit w/her & talk it out w/her just knowing that if she keeps it bottled up like I did she'll turn that anger inward.
Although dealing w/my own MH issues has been very hard when my kids r around. They notice a lot & how my mood changes & I worry about it. Sometimes I have to lock myself in the bathroom & insist I pull myself together for their sake.
I can only say I'm trying my best. And my best is not a Norman Rockwell painting. It's giving them what they need, forgiving myself for not being that "perfect" mom.
No one is perfect. Kids aren't either.

I remember the very first time I held ea of my children. Kissing them, saying hello, telling them I'm their mom & that I'm going to make mistakes w/them, but I'll try my best. I promised.