self inflicted wounds

[worriedmomof3kids]

My 4 year old daughter is scratching her arms until they bleed when she is angry and doesnt get her way. Her preschool class recently drew full body tracings of each child and they then colored them. She drew red lines all over her arms in the picture and when asked what they were she said " Mommy wouldnt give me candy so I scratched my arms". The teacher has now turned in an incident form to the mental health department. I asked my pediatrician about this behavior and he said it is really quite common and she will stop.

Any feedback or suggestions will be appreciated.

[worriedmomof3kids]

Her older sister was living with us for about a month and due to her attitude and mental  health issues she returned to her mothers family. Maybe the loss of her sister is why she is doing this. Of course she was doing it some while her sister still lived there. She used to be so good and now if she is good at school she comes home and is horrible. I mean she throws tantrums and runs from me if she does not get her way.

[margypops]

Perhaps it would also be a good idea to find out what she is upset about it isnt normal behavior ,she is expressing frustration /anger at something and directing it at herself...The Teacher has obviously realised this .Has she older siblings does she have anything happening that would upset her, a Family split? .