i would do the same i dont have any children but i have younger brothers and a niece and i would hate for them to start what i have and be in the same pain.

my younger brother has been talking about how cool it is to be Emo. He's 11 and goes on about cutting and stuff, and how he wants to do it just to be cool. I was so shocked. He's so young to be thinking about all the terrible stuff, and to actually think it was cool. I sat down with him (with my parents consent) and talked to him about why some people cut. He was surprised (he still doesnt know i cut) and a little sshocked that it was not a cool thing to be doing. I told him that I was glad he hadnt cut because it is a dangerous practice and can leave scars that you can never get rtid of. Now he tells all his friends that they shouldnt be talking ike its a cool thing anymore, and he told me that he isnt going to cut.
But if i found out any of my (future because i dont have any)children were cutting I would of course feel pain for them. I think i would be in a better position to help them though because i will have been there and can show them what the end result (scaringand th like) is and do they really want that. then i would try to help them in any way to find a more productive outlet for their pain and frustration and hurt. Of course I would help them get counselling too.

i would feel their pain, helplessness etc but i think i would feel guilt most of all.did she pick up on what i was doing? would she self harm if i hadnt? if i wasnt so screwed up and been a better mum would her life be happier with no need 2 self harm? i try my best 2 protect her from the world but shes 11 now and i cant keep her safe forever-much as id like too! this is my worst fear that she will si

This is a tough one because it makes me think and think. I like the replies they provide me with thoughts I might not have known how to word.

my son because of his s/needs does a form of self harm and i hate him doing it. so i can speak from experiance and it leaves me feeling helpless as i cant stop him doing it as much as i try

its nice that they hav sum1 that cares about them like that. my mum wouldnt care if she found me cuttin - she doesnt care about a lot of things. shes pretty screwed up.