Saying "i want to kill myself" when upset. Ds aged 7

[Kennyp]

My ds is a lovely little boy, but when he gets in a rage he will often say "thats it, i.m going to kill myself"

He doesnt seem sad all the time, far from it. He has a great sense of humour and is okay in every department. Hiwever it worries me that he says this. It is at least three times a week that he says it.

I have been vaguely monitoring it and it is fairly often. Should i tell my gp? Thanks. Am really not sure what to do about it. I reassure him and he does calm down but it is horrible hearing it.

I personally wouldn't worry unless there are any other red flags?

My dd has said ' I want to die' when really upset or in trouble for something but then has always been a complete drama queen

Maybe have a chat with him when he is calm about what he thinks it means to say that. but my guess is he won't know - its just something dramatic to say that will get a reaction.

Oh, thanks. Yes thats a good idea to discuss it when hes not having a meltdown. He is quite dramatic too "you hate me. You,re not my friend anymore" etc!

Thanks for your help

My DS used to do similar. I instinctively felt he didn't mean it but it makes you feel horrible. I ended up ignoring him when he said it and soon enough the phase passed off. I have discussed it with him recently (he is now 15) and he admits he says he did it for attention because he knew he could get to me when he said it.
I suppose you need to make a judgement call about whether he is playing you or is asking for help.
Kids eh, who'd 'ave'em?

Lol, dainty nuts!! (gorgeous name btw!!)

Am going to mention it to ds tomorrow when he is calm and unriled and not up to his neck in lego

I have a very melodramatic 7 year old too. He often says "Maybe I should just die" or "I should just kill myself", and "I'm a terrible child", and "Put me in an orphanage Mama!" or "You are a terrible parent!" and perhaps most hilariously: "go away you horrible stink-witch!".

I have to admit the "kill myself" thing did freak me out at first, but I've spoken to him about it, and told him that it is a very serious thing to say. In our case, DS is very much at the stage where he is experimenting with the power of his words. I know his intention was to shock and to convey some kind of 7-year-old emotional gravitas, so telling him how serious his words were, actually satisfied his need to affect me.

I think it's a natural phase (repeated in the teenage years I believe, oh goodie ). I also think some children are naturally more Emo than others. DS is definitely an Emo-boy.

Thanks bagderina. Ds is very emotional at times. I am going to have a little chat with him this afternoon. Thanks again