Parents who discover their child is cutting typically are shocked and immediately blame themselves for failing as a parent. Therapists say that parental self-blame is NOT helpful.
Remember, cutting is a behavioral sign of a deeper underlying problem. The goal should not be to get your child to "stop cutting," but to treat the deeper problem so your teen develops more mature coping skills and no longer feels the need to self-injure.
Here are some tips for dealing with this serious issue.
Don't
- React with anger.
- Go into denial about the problem.
- Assume this is a "phase" your teen will outgrow.
- Say "What did I do wrong as a mother (father) for you to do this to yourself."
- Ask "Why are you doing this to yourself?"
- Try to hide sharp objects. It's an ineffective deterrent. If your child wants to self-injure, she'll find a way.
Do
- Admit you and your child need help.
- Take the problem very seriously. This is not just attention-seeking behavior.
- Be completely supportive.
- Immediately seek treatment for your child.
