Help! I am a hostage to my child's bladder.

[TheYearOfSmallThings]

DS(6) has been toilet trained for 3.5 years, never has accidents, never had any real toilet issues.

But, for at least 6 months, we can't go out for the day without repeated interruptions of "I need the toilet". Anytime he is bored, or things are not going his way, or he fancies a change of scene, or I am trying to have a conversation with someone, or somebody else is getting all the attention..."I need the toilet". If I suggest a bush wee, he informs me that he needs a poo. None of this happens when he is busy and engaged in an activity he enjoys. Also this has never been a problem before, and I do not believe he has a urine infection or is anxious etc - I think it is behavioral

Has anyone found a good solution for this? I am finding it increasingly tedious.

Do you take him to the toilet straightaway? I would tackle it by not reacting immediately "I need the loo" "oh, ok, we'll go in ten minutes when we've finished doing xyz, if you are desperate there's a bush over there" (he should be able to hold on for ten mins if he genuinely needs a poo). You could gradually lengthen the time from ten minutes each time he asks.

If you truly think it’s just done as a distraction the you need to call his bluff and make him wait. ‘I’ll take you a few minutes darling, when I’ve finished xyz…..’
He’ll either then ask again very soon if he’s genuinely desperate or he’ll wait.
Maybe make sure he’s been at the start of anything- so when you arrive or whatever so you know he’s been given the chance to go and then see.

He always goes before we go out, and I probably do need to get more ruthless about calling his bluff. I don't think it is completely conscious or cynical on his part (he is not very cunning), so much as something that has evolved and is working for him.