Depression and being around kids

[Kazora]

I recently got informed, that I will soon become an aunt. I love kids, and am happy to provide support and love for the child, but there is a slight problem. I have had depression since childhood, which lead to suicide attempts and self harm. I don’t want to impact the child. What if the little one asks me why I have scars? How should I reply then. I don’t want the kid growing up worrying about his aunt.

[Dolphin14]

Kazora

Very exciting news. Kids are a blessing

Children should be answered as best we can for their age level.

I imagine your first interaction would be something like.... auntie has a boo-boo, or what's that auntie.

It is a healed boo-boo, from there you fill in the blanks,

If you have a therapist this is a great question to ask. You have lots of time to think of how to handle this.

I think it's wonderful you are already thinking ahead to how you are going to be a wonderful aunt

🐬

[Kazora in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words

[Kazora]

Thank you very much for understanding!

[Kazora]

Your answer means very much to me, thank you! No one has ever said something like this to me before

[wompwomp]

Hey Kazora,

Seeing this could not have been more timely for me! I have a much younger sibling who is 11 and the other day she pointed out my scars because she thought I had accidentally burned myself on the oven and I did NOT know how to respond. It is truly such a difficult topic to navigate because I do not think a little kid should be exposed to the details but I also want to be truthful with her. In the moment I panicked a little but ended up just saying "oh those are scars, they're healed." And luckily that was the end of that conversation!!!

I think it's very appropriate to explain in a *little* more detail once kids are a little older (if they ask again), but for now my vague answer seemed to suffice!

Overall, I would say do not stress over the questions about your scars. Kids are curious, but they're also usually easily satisfied or tempted by a change in subject.

And congrats on becoming an aunt! I have a second nephew on the way too and being the fun aunt is the BEST.

<3

[Kazora]

Thank you! I’ll definitely be the fun aunt