Why do parents never seem to notice?

[liz9591]

I've noticed that although I'm lucky to have nice, concerned parents, never once have they confronted me about the scars on my wrists. There are getting to be quite a few, and I'm using a razor now, so they're worse than they were. My dad's never asked, but my mum has casually asked, "Oh, what happened to your arm?" a few times, but she'll take just about any bullshit excuse I throw at her. (I told her it was our neighbour's cat once, and I had hardly left the house in a week) I'm not sure if she's in denial, extremely unobservant, or trusts me too much. I was wondering if anyone else's parents are like this?

[Mortal Coil]

Well, a lot of parents don't even think that their kid could be self-harming. I mean, they know of the phenomenon but to them it's so far-fetched that it doesn't even come into mind when they consider possible reasons for the scars on your arms. Self harm is portrayed by the media to be something that only psychos and maladjusts do, so I think she's just poorly informed and in denial. My parents are the opposite. Sure, I got away with it for a few years, but when it started to become more dramatic they immediately jumped to the conclusion that I was cutting.

[West Coast Sheriff]

I would say they are in denial. And a lot of parents don't even know they're Childs self harm. Mine for example don't. Then again maybe your mom is naive. I'm not for sure but it the most sounds like she is in denial.

[LoveMe_HateMe]

A mother's intuition - can't be lied to. She may already know, or have her suspicions, she may just be waiting for you to tell her...

I was quite good at hiding it... until my ex decided to tell my parents because he "was trying to help and bring us all closer together".

[marianastrenchlover]

she is probally in denial. I bet she thinks that there is nothing in ur life that could make you take such drastic mesures. Or she already knows or she is just waiting for the right time to really ask you about it

[QueenOfTheOutcasts]

I think she's in denial and trusts you at the same time. My mom doesn't trust me- that's why she noticed in an instant.