Children of multiples


MPD explained for children 10 and older

Children who have a parent who is a multiple face many challenges that other children do not have to face. Some children accept their parents DID without any problem while others do not. Here are some of the challenges/problems children of multiples may face:

  1. Confusion

    2. They may be confused as to why their parent acts different sometimes. Children thrive on consistency and a parent with MPD is usually very inconsistent! Rules are changed by different alters or forgotten. Punishments can be extreme and then passive. Children are often left wondering which way is the correct way.

  2. Embarrassment

    3. Children may be embarrassed or ashamed of their parent's MPD. They may not want their friends to come over because they may be afraid their parent will become a toddler in front of their friends. They may feel somewhat responsible for their parent's unpredictable behavior. They may feel resentful or hateful. Feelings of "Why can't I have a normal parent" may come out in emotional outbursts.

  3. Scared

    4. Children may feel scared of some of the alters or that they may develop MPD someday. It can be scary to a child not knowing how to act around particular alters.

  4. Anger

    5. Children may become angry at the parent for having MPD. They may think you have MPD on purpose. They may get upset because they can't listen to certain music, have certain posters on their walls, watch scary movies etc, because the parent may get triggered by it.

  5. Sadness

    6. Children may feel sad that their parent has so many people inside. They may be sad for the child who was abused and began fragmenting.

What can you do?

  • Seek counseling for the child! They need to learn to cope with their parents MPD and be able to understand it.

  • Be honest with your child! Answer any questions they may have. Reassure them that you love them and that they are safe.

  • Respect your child's feelings. Do not take any negative feelings personally! They are processing the knowledge of your MPD the best that they can.

  • Invite your child to meet all your alters. When they can put a name to a familiar mannerism or change in you, they will tend to be more comfortable.

  • Don't push your child to accept your MPD. They will begin to accept it when they are ready!

    • I asked my children each 2 questions that I felt could be helpful to other kids. Here are the questions and answers:

    Taylor- 11 years old

    1. When you first found out I had MPD how did it make you feel?

      2. I guess I kinda felt sad but I thought it was neat, too.

    2. What do you think kids with a parent with MPD should know?

    Don't tell other kids ( friends) about it because they might not understand. Try to help your Mom's little's by playing with them and help keep them safe.

    Robert- 17 years old

    1. How do you feel about your Mom having MPD?

      2. It makes life very interesting!

    2. What was your initial reaction when you first found out about our MPD?

    Things about you began to make sense. Like your moods changing so much.

    CJ- 16 years old

    1. How do you feel about my MPD?

      2. I don't mind it. Sometimes I feel kinda embarrassed by it.

    2. How does it make you feel when I am a different person?

      3. Depends on who it is. Some I don't really like because they're mean to me and some I find to be quite amusing.

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