how do I explain self harm scars to my significant other and or children?

Honesty is pretty key here. Chances are, if they're your significant other, they're interested in you as a person -- not for what you look like, or what you provide. That being said, if you're up front about it, it can really make things easier. There's nothing wrong with saying "These are my battle scars; I used to self harm but I am recovered." For children, it's probably best to just call them battle scars and of course not tell them about the inner-workings of self harm (depending on the age, of course). They'll grow up knowing they're part of you, and since they're your kiddos, they're going to love you no matter what. It's pretty unconditional.

To the both your significant other and to kids, explain that they are your battle scars or even that you got your stripes.

Own it. Those scars represent not only pain and suffering, but if you are in the process of recovering, they can also empower and represent where you have come from and where you are currently. There is no shame in this. In fact, quite the opposite. If you can be an example of what happens to people when they do not love themselves, when they let our society driven unreachable goals overtake them and when they feel unloved and unworthy, if you can set that example for your family and tell them that you love them, you listen to them, and they listen to you, well, the scars are a healthy reminder. They are only a negative thing if you allow them to be. Very wordy, but the two words at the beginning are all I needed to say. OWN EM!

Tell them that you fought many battles and these scars are the remains of it. Only this battle was not easy as you fought with yourself and your emotions.

How you could explain is how it was rough time in your life and at the time you were lost and felt it was the only way to cope. You could explain how you're better now and how happy you are to have stopped and got past the rough patch. :)

I say mine are battle scars to children, because really they are, and you can't explain them to children because most are to young to understand. Though your significant other, I would just tell. I mean if they love you enough they will say it's okay and move on with life.

If you're trying to explain them away to people you know, simply saying it's a birthmark is just fine. If you would like to be more honest with an adult or friend, say something like you struggled with depression when you were younger. But if you'd rather not talk about it then just say you would rather not talk about it. It's nobody's business anyway!

Tell them these are battle scars which you got from fighting your monsters, and whenever they see someone with them,tell them to give those people a hug.

Be honest as you want to be. If you want them to know it just be sincere the best you can and try to tell them what your feelings were.

You may refer to the scars as your marks of conflict in the past. You were tested and stayed strong.