3-Yr-old Plays with Poop!

My two-year-old daughter did that once in a bathroom that my husband had lost a contact in that morning. When I cleaned it up, the contact was gone forever. It's so hard to keep an eye on the children. You'd think that he was asleep and not playing like that! I can understand how you feel. Get some fun clay of different colors, play with it with him, smile and have fun. The difference in your reaction to the first and the second won't be missed. Don't worry, just have fun. My daughter is 23 now with a 4.0 in college. The poo didn't hurt a thing, she is a wonderful, intelligent woman.

Hi M.,

There is nothing wrong with your son and this does not mean that he is not smart. To kids that age, it isn't nasty, but fun and interesting. Another way of exploring their world and what their body does. Also, taking off his diaper is very likely a sign that he is getting ready to be potty trained. You might try getting him a potty and telling him how fun it is to make the poopy go in the potty. Good luck with all of this!

Lots of kids do this. Don't worry. And don't be surprised if it happens again. Kids RARELY listen the first time. Or second. Be prepared to repeat yourself ad nauseum for the rest of your life.

My son did that once when he was about two. We refer to it as his Picasso episode. He decided to paint with it...all over the walls of his room. What a mess!
I wouldn't be too overly concerned about it, a lot of kids do this at some point in time.
My guy...at 16 is still a pretty talented artist. He just uses a more pleasant meduim these days.

My advice sounds a little harsher after reading all the replys. I think all kids do this a few times growing up, but by age 3 kids do understand right from wrong. Its time for disipline. Poop is dirty and playing in it is not at all healthy. You don't want him to get sick so when he does it, put him in time out, or whatever form of disipline you use in your home. Acting like its no big deal says nothing except that its ok. I hate to sould like a martyer for punishment but Im really not. I just think that the diseases he could get are serious. Good luck

Totally normal... but if you have developmental concerns call His Dr. That is why you pay insurance and copays. My suggestion is it is time to potty train. My daughter was potty trained by 15 months (because my son was born adn she just moved right outta the way for the new baby), and my son by 2 and a half. It is hard, but it sounds like he is interested in the process so it would be best to get a move on with it.

Hope that helps, not menaing ot sound pushy just breastfeeding my newborn...