To think 20 mins is too long for a 5 year old to do a poo?

[Tellypathic]

My nephew, who is 5, takes ages to do a poo - at least 20 minutes - and it can sometimes cause problems for my sister (e.g. if they are about to leave the house for school and he suddenly needs a poo, etc.)

He's never been a big drinker (esp water) and I suggested to Dsis that this might be why he takes so long (i.e a little bit constipated), but she just brushes it off saying that 'he's just like his dad' (who also takes a long time on the toilet - tmi I know), as if it's some sort of genetic thing he's inherited.

I know it's none of my business, and she is his mum and therefore knows what's best, but I can't help but think it's not quite right if it's taking this long. What do you think? AIBU?

[maybebabybee]

I know loads of people (including many adults) who take this long to poo.

I think tbh it's nothing to do with you.

[AGrinWithoutACat]

DH takes ages when he goes and DS averages 20 minutes and has done since he was tiny.

I think some people just do take longer (DD and I are in and out within a few mins)

[Scone1nSixtySeconds]

You haven't met my ds. 20 minutes would be considered rather speedy for him.

I sympathise with my ds as it takes me 10 minutes or so.

Humans - we just aren't all the same!

[icklekid]

Have to say if a 5 year old took that long on the toilet at school I would be concerned...

[Vickyyyy]

It takes as long as it takes tbh. Unless there are other issues to say he is constipated (blood, bad stomach etc) then I don't think it should be assumed that he is simply because it takes a while to poop

If my sister commented on how long it takes my kid to have a poo I wouldn't be too impressed. I don't really think this is any of your business. I don't mean that to be nasty or anything, but she is his mum and will know if its actually a problem or not (besides it being a problem when shes going out or whatever...I mean a medical problem)

[FutureGadgetsLab]

It's quite normal. I'm more concerned about speedy pooers, it seems bizarre that someone can do a poo in 5 minutes!

[littlenicky61]

I do think its a personal thing tbh . My husband and daughter ( who aren't constipated at all ) tend to take 20 mins + whereas my son and me are in and out in a couple of mins max .

I think unless he is in pain or having problems its fine

[rumbelina]

20 minutes? They're lucky!

Have you seen how much poo comes out of a 5 year old?

[Fourarmsv2]

I have two boys. One's in and out in two mins (inc hand wash). The other takes agggeessssss. Sometimes I have to shout put the book down though. Speedy poo-er does mainline weetabix though!

[Tellypathic]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I need to butt out of this one
(Everyone in my family does the business quite quickly so I've prob got a skewed perspective on how long is normal).

[FutureGadgetsLab]

"butt out"

[FlopIsMyParentingGuru]

20 minutes is quick for my resident 7 year old!

[2rebecca]

I think more than 2 or 3 minutes is excessive. if you can't go within 20 seconds or so of sitting down you don't need to go and should get off the loo. Sitting and straining just gives you piles and prolapses.

[SaucyJack]

I'd assume he was just trying to get out of going to school tbh, but I'm not one for hanging about on the job meself and I don't relate to the physiological process for those who do.

[rumbelina]

But the recommendation is to sit and relax and let it come naturally and this can take a few minutes, depending on the person. DS (also 5) poos every day but loads come out and not all at once. I don't rush him as I don't want him to strain.

[namechangeparents]

I knew it was going to be a boy. Men are dysfunctional when it comes to going to the loo. 20 minutes is normal. My cousin takes 45 and takes a book with him! My dh can't poo anywhere but home (manages on holiday as long as we go somewhere else and leave him to it).

Women and girls are just different. I go regular as clockwork straight after breakfast!

[FrenchJunebug]

my 5 year old tells himself stories on the loo. It can take aaaaaaaaaaaages.

[flutterby77]

How often does he go? My four year old daughter holds onto poo for days so when she finally does relent and go it can take her 20 mins to fully empty and there is lots!

[Iambubbles86]

I really don't understand long pooers, mines literally out within a minute max of sitting on the loo and it's not soft/runny either. How can a persons colon be so inefficient?? Ds and dp both take at least 30 mins, I wholly Dont understand how