I told my daughter when she was 8. I didn't name it, but I discussed it in terms of the emotional ups and downs all people experience, and that I sometimes experience either higher 'ups' or lower 'downs'. We discussed that sometimes I stay in that place longer than most people, and that it's an issue in my brain chemistry. I discussed with her that sometimes it makes me say or do things that I feel bad about later. I'm very good about apologizing when I can tell my BP moods are negatively influencing my interactions with my kids and making sure to tell them that I'm feeling a certain emotion and it's making me short-tempered, tired, easily frustrated, etc. I emphasize that I'm sorry for reacting in whatever way and then either tell them that I need some time/quiet to pull myself together, or have a do-over in my reaction (for example, if I automatically say no to something that sounds overwhelming to do, I may reevaluate that it's a totally normal request, and then explain why I said no and revise my answer).

My daughter is pretty good at knowing what's up with me. I've gotten pretty good at identifying when I'm needing extra time/quiet and letting the kids know that I'm in a mood or space where I need that. I'll let them know that whatever they're doing is a totally awesome idea, but it has to be outside (away from where I am).

My son is learning all that at 6 and aware that I have different tolerances for the same actions/noises/behaviors on different days. I've told him that sometimes I have a hard time controlling my emotions or moods, but that's about as far as I've gone.

They've both seen me taking my supplements every day, and I've said it's to help me keep my moods balanced when they ask. They take stuff (Vit. C, Vit. D, etc.) from time to time too, though, so it doesn't seem like a big deal to them.