Bipolar baby sitter?

Question

My neighbour is bipolar, but she really likes my 18 months old daugther and is very nice to her.
We don't have family around and she offered to babysit her.
She told me she is bipolar and that's why she is already a pensioner. She also goes to therapy. 
Sometimes she seems to be super exhausted and close to tears. Probably because of her condition. Yet I wonder if she could look after a toddler then.
Would you let your bipolar neighbour look after you child? 
I don't know anyone else who is bipolar and I don't have experience with it.
My husband is not so happy about me considering it, as we don't have any help around I would really appreciate it every now and then.

Answer

I have many people in my family who are bipolar including my dad. He has multiple mental health “illnesses”. He has manic depression, bipolar, ADHD and anxiety. He watches my 2 daughters both 2 and under. He is the best damn person to watch them. He’s a little all over the place because of his ADHD but in a sense of starting multiple tasks at once. His “conditions” don’t define him nor the care he gives my children and I would base someone’s ability to watch your child on that. I’d base it on are they trustworthy, safe, have best interest in the child, reliable, respectful of my wishes responsible and would never harm my children ? If those checkboxes meet then why not? If they don’t then no.

Answer

Oof, this is a hard choice. Not every bi polar person is the same. Some are functioning and would definitely be safe to have watch your child, others can not be. I would maybe find out more details. Is she properly diagnosed? Or does she just say she’s bi polar.. Is she on any medications that could effect her response time? How are her manic episodes/how often does she have them? What about her lows? 
Find out more info about her and her diagnosis.

Answer

I would just on her skills. Does she know CPR? Is she mature minded etc? Yes someone with bipolar can look after a child 🙂

Answer

Do the same as you would anyone, get references and background history of experiences. Having a mental health concern should not eliminate someone from having work experiences and should not jeopardise their opportunity unless deemed otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Ultimately it is your choice but personally I wouldn't discriminate on the basis of having bipolar or any other ailment. Since she is young you can discuss with her parents but in most countries that age is considered legal age.

Answer

My husband and MIL are both bipolar, and they both spend time with our kids.
However, I said depends. Both of them have their symptoms largely under control, and if they were in a manic or depressive episode I probably wouldn't. If she is managing well with therapy and/or medication and would tell you if it wasn't a good time then I wouldn't be concerned.

Answer

Entirely based off the individual and their condition. How well it is managed, etc. 
If she had tears in her eyes it could very well mean she is exhausted which may be something to consider as well. Just to not have things be too much and to be able to have her manage everything without burning out. That goes for any person regardless. Or it could be for other reasons?
Check babysitting references. Check her personal and professional (if she has any) references. Check with parents. 
 Kids heal. They also are a huge responsibility emotionally, physically and mentally. There can be a good balance for having this be beneficial for you both without getting too personal or too consistent. Or it ends up working out all the time! Check in on a few more things . 
My cousin is bipolar and her episodes are too much despite years of treatment and her acting one way to other people, she's dangerous to be around. My friend is bipolar and fully functioning. Alllll depends on so many little things . Ultimately, do what you feel is best. 
If there's any concerns but you want to try, have some trial runs where you're at the house but distanced (can observe but not helicopter over her and be there if any emergencies were to happen). I remember having multiple trial runs and training in nannying positions with the family before being on my own when I was younger and learning. It can all be constructive regardless if you want her long term or not. 
Good luck !

Answer

As someone who has bipolar, I’m disgusted with this post. How old are you? Hasn’t anyone taught you about de-stigmatizing mental health issues? Have you ever thought about educating yourself or using your brain? Jesus Christ.
I was a single mom until my oldest was 9 months old. Even now, I’m the primary caregiver for both of our children and I always have been. I’m unmedicated and I do not attend therapy, I haven’t in years.
You comments/questions are ignorant and uneducated. You shouldn’t let her babysit for you because a teenage girl needs to be around normal, decent human beings that can help her grow and develop, that will treat her like a real person. Not a psychotic animal in a zoo.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Disgusting.

Answer

I would let her, maybe just start with short period of time. 
But like someone else said I would treat it just like any other person-does she seem trust worthy, reliable, good to have around in an emergency

Answer

No, I wouldn't risk it

Answer

If you have to question it at all, bipolar or not, I say no. Always go with your gut. I’m like this with anyone who watches my kids. If I have to question it at all, it’s a no.

Bipolar baby sitter?

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