So your son's best friend has a mom who is bipolar safety concerns

[Anonymous]

My son's best friend has a mom who is bipolar. I've heard third hand that she threatened her husband's life before they divorced. I've backed off from the friendship with the mom but we still travel in the same social circles at times and she always wants to get the kids together. I feel bad for backing out of our friendship more or less but I get a sixth sense that mentally she is really not right. I know people with mental health issues need friends too but every time I hear about someone doing something extreme in the news, I always wonder if it could happen it that mom. I am a worrier but nature too. Any sage advise?

[Anonymous]

By nature too..

[Anonymous]

How old is your son?

[Anonymous]

9. He doesn't demand to see the best friend though. They use to be in the same activities.

[Anonymous]

How well does she supervise? Can the boys play at your house?

[Anonymous]

Who among us have NOT threatened our spouse's life at some point?

How do you know that she is bipolar, OP?

What kind of horrible person drops a friend because they are mentally ill?

[Anonymous]

I think it would be great if you could figure out a way to be comfortable with the kids being friends -- maybe more activities at your house or other locations? I can't imagine it's easy for her son to be isolated socially b/c of his mom's mental health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son's best friend has a mom who is bipolar. I've heard third hand that she threatened her husband's life before they divorced. I've backed off from the friendship with the mom but we still travel in the same social circles at times and she always wants to get the kids together. I feel bad for backing out of our friendship more or less but I get a sixth sense that mentally she is really not right. I know people with mental health issues need friends too but every time I hear about someone doing something extreme in the news, I always wonder if it could happen it that mom. I am a worrier but nature too. Any sage advise?

How do you know that his mother has bipolar disorder?

I don't think that the bolded part is reliable information.

[Anonymous]

my husband has bipolar disorder. manic phase makes him uninhibited, likes to spend money, take risks... not violent.

[Anonymous]

DS grandma (my mother) is bipolar and I do not allow them together without my supervision. Never know when they're going to have an "episode."

[Anonymous]

Have all of the get togethers between the boys at your house.

[Anonymous]

Have the boys at your house or places that you can be there with the other mom and the kids (zip lines, adventure park, Shadowland, etc). As long as you are around, there really isn't cause for concern. She could probably use a friend.

[Anonymous]

My sister is bipolar. Her favourite past time is getting drunk and driving. Police have been to her home countless times. I would never leave my kids with her,

[Anonymous]

How do you know she is bipolar? Did she tell you personally?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS grandma (my mother) is bipolar and I do not allow them together without my supervision. Never know when they're going to have an "episode."

I'm a psychologist and this isn't accurate. Bipolar people don't suddenly have an episode. It can present itself more as a cycle. If you knew your grandma you could read the signs of when she was "down" or "high." In any case my fil is bipolar and he's helped me watch my kids since they were born. That being said I would never leave them alone with them in his care- he's unpredictable in the way that he gets lost in his thoughts, but I know him very we'll. you don't know this boys mothers or her patterns. When it comes to my child's safety I don't take risks, regardless of whether it's nice or not nice to stop being friends with someone with a mental illness. I agree with you being cautious. I think a pp mentioned inviting friend to your house or doing outings as play dates where you could meet somewhere. A lot of what you know is here say and I do think that's important to be careful but also be kind and compassionate. Good luck!