Lately, I try to step away from the situation and tell my 12 year old daughter that I need a break for a few minutes....then I come back and address the situation. I definitely try to calm down before issuing any punishment of any sort. It is difficult, however, because it seems like I am angry all of the time... It is frustrating and kind of foreign at this point because happy is not something I am familiar with....it is only something that I dream of....

I find that parenting with bipolar is extremely difficult. In addition, I have social anxiety disorder so that certainly doesn't help the situation. I hope you find the answers that you were looking for.

TJ