The Balanced Mind Foundation recommends that parents keep a daily chart of their child's mood, sleep, energy, medications, psychotherapy sessions, and statements or events of concern. Over time, this chart becomes a valuable record that can be extremely helpful to professionals, parents, and (as the child matures) the child themselves. 

Treatment of early onset bipolar disorder can involve numerous trials of different treatments, alone or in combination. Keeping a daily chart will help you remember the effects of different medications. There are numerous different types of charts; find one that you prefer. The main thing is that you do it on a regular basis, until your child reaches stability.

1. National Institute of Mental Health "Kiddie Prospective Life Chart"
   Developed by Dr. Robert Post and Gabrielle Leveritch, this sophisticated chart is often used in research studies funded by the Stanley Foundation and the NIMH.Click below for directions.
   - Directions for Use
2. Psychiatry 24 x 7.com's Mood Diary (with instructions)
   This diary was created by an international team of experts (BEAM) for psychiatry24x7.com, a portal sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals offering educational features on bipolar disorder.
3. Massachusetts General Hospital Bipolar Clinic Mood Chart (with instructions)
4. Shelly's Mood Chart (created by a The Balanced Mind Foundation parent)
5. Julie's Mood Charts for Boys and Girls (created by a The Balanced Mind Foundation parent)
6. Kimberly's Mood Chart (created by a The Balanced Mind Foundation parent)
7. Boy's Mood Chart (developed by Tracy Anglada - www.bpchildren.com)
8. Girl's Mood Chart (developed by Tracy Anglada - www.bpchildren.com)