How to Help My Child Stop Cutting

2009 November 23 by:   Scott

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• Help your child identify the reason or “trigger” that causes the child to cut. Encourage your child to stop the moment that there is an urge to cut, stop and write down what caused the urge. Share these “triggers with the doctor and counselor.
• Remove cutting materials  from immediate area. Finding a cutting object and removing it may just put an end to  the impulse. 
• Remind your child to use some of the actions or activities that the doctor recommended to take the place of cutting. Help your child to express his or her emotions in a safe manner. For example, when your child shares that he or she feels like cutting, try doing one of the following to replace cutting:

1. Drawing, painting or scribbling on paper
2. Writing down how you are feeling in a diary or journal
3. Use a punching bag or something safe to hit to relieve anger
4. Listening to music that calms and soothes
5. Squeeze an ice cube until it melts
6. Call a friend
7. Screaming at the top of your lungs

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