Why Does My Daughter Draw on Herself?
Why Does My Daughter Draw on Herself?
It’s common for young children to scribble on walls, furniture, or even their bodies as they explore and experiment with writing instruments. However, if your daughter is older and intentionally drawing on herself, it could signify an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Reasons Why Older Children Draw on Themselves
There are a few possible reasons why an older child or teenager may engage in this behavior:
1. Self-expression
Drawing on oneself can be a form of self-expression. It allows a child to assert her individuality and identity. Your daughter may doodle on herself as a way to creatively communicate her thoughts, feelings, ideas, or personality.
For some children, skin becomes a substitute for paper. It’s always accessible and allows them to externalize inner emotions. The act of marking their bodies helps them feel in control and gives them a sense of ownership over themselves.
2. Boredom
Older children need constant stimulation and activity. If your daughter seems to draw on herself when she has nothing else to do, sheer boredom may be the culprit. The markings give her something to focus on and pass the time.
3. Rebelliousness
Drawing on oneself can sometimes be an act of defiance or rebellion. Your daughter may do it to get a reaction from you, assert her independence, or break rules about avoiding body alterations. It allows her to control part of her appearance.
4. Fitting in
In some social circles, body art and markings are considered cool and hip. Your daughter may draw on herself because her friends are doing it too. It helps her fit in with a certain clique and gives her a sense of belonging.
5. Psychological issues
More serious psychological issues can underlie the tendency to draw on one’s skin repeatedly. These include:
- Depression – Cutting or marking the skin releases endorphins that can provide temporary relief from depression. The drawings also serve as a physical outlet for emotional angst.
- Anxiety – Drawing provides an outlet for nervous energy. Marking the skin helps manage anxiety symptoms and provides a calming effect.
- Trauma – Children who have undergone trauma may draw on their bodies compulsively as a way to cope with or dissociate from painful memories.
- Body dysmorphia – A distorted self-image causes the child to obsessively mark her body in an attempt to change her appearance.
If you suspect any of these issues, seek professional counseling for your daughter.
Dangers of Drawing on Oneself
While some amount of doodling is normal, repeated drawing on the body, especially at an older age, has risks including:
- Infections – Any break in the skin carries infection risks from marker ink and pens.
- Allergic reactions – Allergies can develop over time, even to ‘safe’ markers or pens. Reactions may occur.
- Absorption of chemicals – Materials may contain toxic chemicals like xylene or propylene glycol. These can enter the bloodstream.
- Scarring – Repeated marking in one area can cause skin damage and permanent scarring.
- Social issues – Other kids may make fun of such behavior, impacting her self-esteem.
- Self-harming behavior – In some cases, skin drawing can evolve into more serious cutting and self-mutilation.
Ways to Stop Your Daughter from Drawing on Herself
If your daughter’s skin art is frequent or distressing, here are some tips to curb it:
1. Find the trigger
Check if there’s an underlying issue, like anxiety, trauma, boredom, or an attempt to fit in with certain peers. Counseling may be needed to address this trigger.
2. Set rules
Have an open discussion and institute clear rules about marking the body. But avoid harsh punishments.
3. Limit access
Keep all markers, pens and sketch pens in locked drawers so she cannot access them without permission.
4. Provide alternatives
Buy a sketchbook and art supplies for doodling. Or suggest drawing on paper, sidewalks or whiteboards instead.
5. Praise her
When you notice her expressing her creativity in healthier ways, provide plenty of praise and positive reinforcement.
6. Spend time together
Make sure to spend one-on-one quality time together. Arts and crafts, baking or outdoor activities can help fulfill her needs for engagement.
7. Set an example
As a parent, model the behavior you want to see. Avoid drawing on yourself in front of your daughter.
8. Check classmates
If this is a social trend in her class, talk to the teacher about addressing it school-wide.
9. Consider therapy
If the behavior continues frequently, seek counseling. A therapist can get to the root and provide coping strategies.
10. Stay patient
Such habits cannot be changed overnight. Stay calm, be consistent and patiently encourage healthier modes of self-expression.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a child psychologist, therapist or counselor if:
- The skin drawing behavior becomes chronic
- It causes frequent visible damage or bleeding
- Your daughter tries to hide it from you
- She gets agitated, defensive or secretive when you bring up the topic
- She expresses distress, low self-worth, isolation or hopelessness
- It impairs socialization with peers
- You see signs of an eating disorder, self-harming tendencies or substance abuse
- Your daughter has undergone any major emotional trauma or abuse
With professional help to address the root causes, the behavior can be stopped before it becomes a long-term habit or addiction.
Healthy Ways to Support Your Daughter
As a concerned parent, you can encourage positive ways for your daughter to communicate her feelings without resorting to drawing on her body:
- Talk it out – Have regular open discussions to talk about any issues. Listen without judgement.
- Artistic activities – Suggest painting, beadwork, pottery, sculpture or sewing as healthy creative outlets.
- Physical outlets – Any form of physical activity like sports, dance, martial arts or yoga can provide a release.
- Meditation and breathing – Teach techniques like pranayama or mindfulness meditation to calm the mind.
- Journaling – Writing feelings down in a private diary can provide emotional release.
- Creative writing – Compose stories, poetry or songs as a positive expressive avenue.
- Safety plan – Collaborate to make a safety plan listing healthy strategies to use when feeling stressed.
- Positive praise – Always encourage expressive activities with specific praise on her talents and skills.
- Therapy pet – Caring for an animal can build confidence, lower anxiety and fulfill the need to nurture.
- Build self-esteem – Reinforce all her positive qualities to instill a strong sense of self-worth and resilience.
With empathy, open communication and a nurturing environment, your daughter can move past the need to draw on herself. Focus on her inner talents and strengths to give her healthy ways to creatively express herself.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the concerning behavior persists in frequency and intensity despite your efforts, do reach out for expert intervention. A child psychologist or counselor trained in therapies like CBT or DBT can uncover the root causes behind the skin drawing while providing effective coping strategies tailored to your daughter’s needs.
Don’t hesitate to seek help earlier, rather than later. Skin drawing that causes frequent or visible damage, social issues, or impairment in daily functioning should be addressed professionally right away. With compassionate support, children can unlearn unhealthy habits.