Nearly 5 and still pooing in pants - HELP?

[katysav]

Hi. 5yr old DS is still pooing in pants- especially at school coz I dont think he likes going there. When we are at home - weekends holidays etc it isnt a problem as he goes regularly. I think the issue is that he lets it build up and then he doesnt have the control and bits seep out (lovely). Ive had a look at some of the threads, there are mentions of medical issues with constipation etc, but I dont think this is the issue - its just a simple case of him holding it in coz he doesnt want to go at school then losing control. He is a happy, intelligent kid who LOVES school and I have done everything - stars, stickers, rewards, bribery, telling him off, ignoring it etc etc etc. the school teacher said perhaps to talk to my health visitor as there are books you can read them that may help. Does anyone know of these books? Really can't face talking to health visitors again - thought I was past all that!!!! Am happy to contact her if desperate but thought I'd try MN first.xxx

My DS (now 6) was notorious for doing this at school when hewas 5. He used to get so engrossed in what he was doing that he would forget to go to the loo or he'd be worried about missing something. The Teaching Assistants said it was a fairly common problem, it regulated itself in the end but I did have to enforce the idea that if he kept pooping he would smell. This seemed to work!

I would take him to the GP and establish exactly what the problem is. Only then will you be able to solve it.

Also - you need to find out what the problem is at school - why does he not want to use the school toilets? He will be attending school for years to come, so you need to understand the reasons and find a solution.

Is he frightened to ask to go?

Is there bullying/teasing/lack of privacy/wet or dirty floors or seats or sinks/no paper or some other problem?

HTH