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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Why would a 5 year old start pooing himself?

12 replies

DrNortherner · 07/07/2007 16:22

DS is 5, he has always held on to his wees and left it till last minutes to go, sometiems resulting in a slight leakage.

Now he has started pooing in his pants. Not a full poo IYKWIM but enough to stink and make a mess. He doesn't even seem to care, and I only realise when I smell him.

I have tried everything, taking away treats, sending to his room, being nice and explaining why he should listn to his body. It is now a daily occurance and has just happenned again today for teh second time today. It is now an everyday occurance

We are pff on holiday soon with another family, it will be so embarrassing for us all if it ahppens then.

I am at my wits end.

Any advice please?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

coppertop · 07/07/2007 16:28

It could be that he's constipated. The Paed told us that the hard poo blocks the way and all that can get out is the leaky runnier stuff. It sounds like this might be the case for your ds too. If so then the Paed advised trying lactulose.

cornsilk · 07/07/2007 16:32

Don't punish him for it!
This is very common in boys and is often constipation. Get some lactulose from the chemist.

juuule · 07/07/2007 16:35

Is he or has he been constipated?
Sometimes they can be constipated, very uncomfortable and reluctant to 'go'. However, the stuff higher up may begin to move around the blockage and leak out. Your son will not be aware that it is coming. I don't know if this is the case with your son but if it is then it is not his fault if he is soiling and it's unfair to punish him for it. In fact, it will just make things worse. He may need to see the GP at least, and have treatment for it. My dd had this problem and is now on Movicol long term. The sooner it's resolved the quicker he will get back to normal.

Original poster

DrNortherner · 07/07/2007 16:39

Don't think he's constipated. He does still do poo's in the loo and they appear normal to me.

OP posts:

juuule · 07/07/2007 16:41

Don't rule it out. My dd also continued going to the loo. In fact, at one point I thought she was too loose. The blockage was quite high in her bowel.

Original poster

DrNortherner · 08/07/2007 09:41

Hmm, OK will go to GP tommorow. How did they find out she had a blockage? Do they do an examination?

OP posts:

juuule · 08/07/2007 09:54

She was referred to the hospital where they did examine her. He could feel the blockage high in her bowel (so could I when he showed me where to feel). She had been having problems for a while so it must have built up. Unfortunately, it meant that that part of her bowel became stretched at that point which is why it's taking time to get back to normal. It might not be the case with your son but I think it's better to find out sooner than later if it is.

Ulysees · 08/07/2007 09:58

Was going to suggest consitpation too.

found this .......

In constipation, the faeces may be hard and painful to pass. It can cause a tear in the delicate lining of the anal canal, which may lead to streaks of blood on the faeces. Because the bowel becomes overloaded with faeces, the sensation of needing to open the bowels may be lost and the child may unintentionally soil themselves as the full bowel overflows. This can cause both diarrhoea and constipation at the same time.

carocaro · 09/07/2007 10:34

DS1 aged 5 was like this, too busy basically to poo or wee, he jigs about like a Riverdance person and makes it at the last minute most of the time, we have made it into a game, saying the 'poo and or wee need to come out to play and meet their freinds, you need to let them out to have fun with their poo and wee friends' when he does go in time he gets a big clap a biccy and a sticker, work wonders, plus we took him shopping for some Power Ranger Pants and shorts of his choice and he really does not want to make his fab new pants or shorts weey or pooy! Also watching Daddy wee and poo properly (vile I know) seemed to help him grow up a bit in this department. Hope you are poop free soon.

muppetgirl · 09/07/2007 10:36

...we do the poo dance

no really, we do

squashpoppy · 25/07/2007 09:59

A bit different I know but my 4 year old ds has started pooing wherever takes his fancy. Last night it was in my sisters bath and the other day on the bedroom carpet! He has been clean + dry for around 2 yrs so not entirely sure why he's doing it, he is very upset afterwards for a short time but seems to forget and does it again. He also trys to clean it up with whatevers to hand and frankly i'm sick and tired of the smell of poo
Please help feel ready to crack!!!

clutteredup · 25/07/2007 10:13

i used harsh peer pressure on my ds 6yo, he was just being lazy leaving to last minute...i pointed out that he smelt bad, made hil smell his pants so he knew and pointed out his friends would think he stank. also banned the computer when it happened....we seem to have got over it quite quickly now.....cruel i know i'm a horrid mummy BTW i knew he wasn't constipated he lives on raisins and has never been in his life.

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