Going IP doesn't have to involve any drama. You mentioned on another thread that you've been IP before, so there won't be any surprises. Your kids have been through this before, and kids are pretty resilient. As you already know, most of IP is just sitting around, being observed, attending groups that are largely irrelevant, and then packing your bags and returning home. If you're lucky, the staff will be kind and supportive. Hospital stays these days are pretty straightforward, often only 3-5 days long, and involve crisis stabilization and maybe some med adjustments; in fact, hospitals begin planning discharge as soon as a patient is admitted. If you think it'll help, and you can afford it, I would say to go for it and take advantage of every minute! Who knows? You might learn something that will change your life for the better!

I live alone, so I don't count on anyone to protect me from myself, and I have to advocate for myself when I think I need help. I cooperate with my doctor because I believe we share the same goals. I would be reluctant to ask anyone to take on the responsibility for ensuring my safety, even (or perhaps especially) a spouse, and I wouldn't agree to do it for anyone else, either. What if they slipped away while I wasn't watching? I would respectfully and lovingly ask them instead to commit to finding a way through the crisis, and then I would stand by them.

I'm sure you'll make the right decision!