Hi mrs tariq,

I refer people who write in like you do on this topic to the schizophrenia and heredity link.  It is possible, yet I wouldn't obsess over it.  Tell your kids often that you love them.  Educate yourself about your brother-in-laws' schizophrenia so that you are aware of the signs and symptoms and how they're treated.  Know that schizophrenia routinely strikes in the late teens and early 20s.  The older a person gets, the less likely he or she will develop schizophrenia.

I was diagnosed when I was 22 which is the average age.  I got immediate treatment with medication and therapy and as a result I'm in remission and I recovered fully.  The key is to take immediate action when a loved one exhibits the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia.

Though like I suggest I wouldn't obsess over this and I wouldn't spend all your waking hours worrying that your children could get sick.  Love them, get them interested in doing volunteer work or working at a part-time job when they get older because keeping them active and engaged in life is the main thing.

Regards,

Christina