How do I explain scars when a young child asks about them?

Children are usually creative so telling them straight forward is not the best idea. Try something like "well you see, i was a soldier once and i got through a really big battle and here are my battle scars". The metaphor for this is you, as a soldier in a war/battle (with yourself or the world around who brought you in the state of self harm) and the battle scars which are showing that you were at a bad time in your life but you got through it and now you're healing. I find this method very effective. Kids usually don't ask any more questions after you tell them that. I hope this helps

I have had difficulty with that also. Sometimes I just tell them it was a bad experience and I don't feel comfortable talkimg about it.

Explain them with pride and with light hearted responses such as: "These are my battle scars from a long time ago that make me stronger, like a superhero"

An honest answer could be that you got them a long time ago when you were unwell. That's truthful without being graphic.

It can be rough when young children ask about self-harm scars. It can be easy to lie about it; however, in reality, it's best to be honest regarding your scars. You don't have to go into great depth, but simply letting them know that you went through a time of emotional pain and, as a result, went through some physical pain as well to try to cope with your emotional pain is a good way to put it to a child.

If You feel like they are old/mature enough to know tell the truth, if not you can make up a silly excuse that a young child would believe. Best of luck!

It's probably better not to tell them that it was because you hurt yourself. You can make something up instead: (a funny story, a birthmark, etc.)

Sometimes it works when you say they're your battle scars from a difficult time, but not every time. I've used that sentence in the past and it has worked fine.

I think it depends on the person, how you handle it. You might say something like "they're my battle scars, and they remind me of challenges in my life I had to overcome". Or you could just say "bike accident" or even "let's talk more when you're older".

Children are usually creative so telling them straight forward is not the best idea. Try something like "well you see, i was a soldier once and i got through a really big battle and here are my battle scars". The metaphor for this is you, as a soldier in a war/battle (with yourself or the world around who brought you in the state of self harm) and the battle scars which are showing that you were at a bad time in your life but you got through it and now you're healing. I find this method very effective. Kids usually don't ask any more questions after you tell them that. I hope this helps