Part of self harm help is knowing that being close to individuals who self harm like cutting or burning themselves makes coping really tough and sometimes hard to comprehend. Take note that the reasons why people cut themselves vary from person to person and come in several forms. It is really good to know that included also in self harm awareness is the objective of informing people that self injury or self harm is not suicidal or attention seeking. Normally, self harming pupils do this because they have an immense amount of pain and suffering within them that they find difficult to express. And if your child is one of the many out there who deliberately injure himself or herself, self harm training is available for YOU as well as self harm resource materials for teachers.

How Do I Deal With My Son/Daughter’s Self Harming Behaviour?

It is frustrating for parents to find out that their child is self harming. It is really hard to understand why people cut themselves, especially if they are the ones very dear to us.

Here are 10 Top Tips for Self Harm Help to Guide Parents

Avoid taking things personally. Even if their actions appear to be manipulative, it generally is not a case of manipulation

Educate yourself. Backing yourself with the proper self harm awareness knowledge will help you learn how to support your child in the right way.

Take care of yourself. While it is really distressing to realize that your child is self harming, find time to recognize that you also need to adjust. Find time and make sure you also take care of your needs as well as your child’s. You are the important person in this equation, because you need to ensure that you are there tomorrow for both of you.

Be supportive without being imposing. Negative emotions can be triggered sometimes when parents impose what they want on their children, intentionally or otherwise. A better alternative is to let them know that you care for them and you will always be around when they need someone to talk to. Be the first to open up but not be too demanding of them to disclose anything to you. And if your child finds it comfortable to be more open with others, that is ok. Sometimes we need go into protective mode from our loved ones because we don’t want to hurt them. Your child is the same with you. The main thing is that they are talking to SOMEONE.

Be clear. Although it is heartbreaking, you have to let your son/daughter know that you are willing to help and will always love him or her no matter what. Reassurance is the key here, and then some.

Encourage them in positive ways. Assurance is something that any child yearns. Express to them that you care even if you don’t always understand where they are coming from, but you will be empathetic and sympathetic to their needs. It is also to acknowledge to yourself that it is difficult for you and you also need someone to talk to about your concerns and feelings. This is am important factor in being able to support your son/daughter.

Observe. Notice the times that your child is upset or moody. Self harm is sometimes hidden because self harming pupils and youngsters shy away from people due to their self harm and or low self esteem.

Avoid impulsive overdoses. You can keep medicines locked up and other sharp edged tools hidden in discretion to prevent your child from overdoing the damage.

Seek professional help. If you realize that things are already getting out of hand, seek out self harm help to assist your son/daughter in managing their situation.

Analysis of the situation. Sometimes it can be easier than others to identify what sparked off your son/daughter’s self harming behaviour. Is there something obvious that happened today, last night or recently that you can think of that may have caused him or her to engage in this current self harming incident? A compromise on both sides may be an option and a way forward if it will ease the situation.

Author's Bio: 

Jennifer McLeod is Group Managing Director of Step Up! International, Creator of the Easy Tiger Parent System™, Creator of the Born To Win! Programme for Young People™, Professional & Inspirational Speaker, Psychologist, Published Author and Inspirational Parent & Relationship Coach

For more self harm awareness to assist teachers with self harm help for pupils and resource materials for teachers please visit http://www.stepup-international.co.uk