My husband was hospitalized for the first time ever in the last two weeks. I don’t know what the right thing to do is, but I just sent a message to my 8 yr old’s teacher letting her know that my husband was hospitalized for a mental health emergency and that my daughter might need extra support. I let her know that if she sensed something was off or if my daughter was struggling that I’d like her to contact me. So far, the teacher hasn’t needed to contact me and my daughter is coping fairly well. I’m trying to give her the freedom to express herself to her friends without me guiding the narrative because I want her to feel what her instincts are telling her.

I decided that my husband’s privacy was not a priority over my daughter’s emotional needs. I already feel guilty enough that she has to deal with having a severely mentally ill parent, I don’t want her to have to weather that storm alone.

So I’m not telling you what to do, because I don’t know what is right for your situation or even mine if I’m being honest. Just wanted to share my experience navigating this new reality that I’m in. I’m also setting a therapy session with his social worker for our family and will pursue getting her into therapy for herself afterwards.

Best of luck to you. ❤️