Holding in their poo!

[Allie]

My 7 year old goes away into a separate room and holds in his poo when he needs one. He only goes if I catch him. Sometimes he must be holding it in all day. He gets soiled pants and I'm terrified the kids at school will start teasing him. We've tried reason, bribes, threats, incentives, etc over the years but he doesn't seem to be giving this up. Any experiences/ideas?

Allie ,my 6yr old has done a similar thing even going so far as going into the loo,and flushing it after a little while...!!He has just recently stopped doing this and I dont really know what changed him.I just kept a very close eye on him to spot when it was happening(luckily he displays very obvious signs!!)and his siblings would also let me know.I think it started when he had to wipe his own bottom,which he hated doing,so if I hung around to make sure he was doing it and also giving him a hand when it was a squelcher,as we lovingly called it(!!) he eventually grew out of it,but it probably took a few months,so hang in there!!

Call ERIC on 0117 960 3060. This is their info line. They are the Enuresis Resource and Information Centre but they answer all queries on training and constipation and holding on, too. They have literature, and can direct you to professional help. There's also a website, eric.org.uk