Why would a preschooler begin pooping his pants again and does not think anything is wrong with it. He has been doing this everyday for a week. What can be done about this?
First I would take him to the doc to eliminate the possibility that its a medical problem such as irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea. Also, if it is rebelling it could be many reasons. Is there a baby in the household who poops in diapers still? Maybe he saw a kid at school do this? Is there any emotional stress on the family right now?
I agree with Jennifer that this could be his way of showing that he is dealing with tension or a change in his life. Has something changed lately?? Different preschool...Mom go back to work...a new baby...tensions in the house?? How long has he been potty trained? Are there any other physical signs like fatique or complaining of stomach discomfort? Are his stools looser than usual? You have to be a detective to figure out what is going on.
R. Ann
Going backwards with potty habits can be a sign of an emotional or psychological problem. Depending on how long he's been trained, it could also be way of rebelling. I would think about if there have been any other changes or something that may have happened to upset him. It may be something small, little things affect kids in big ways. I would definitely reiterate the fact of where we go potty, but I don't think I would punish until you are certain there is nothing that has caused his change in behavior.
This is a sign of stress from something and he feels out of control. It could be anything!!!! You might try talking to him but generally he won't talk about what it is-sometimes it is just changes-some kids have a really hard time adjusting to change-spend more time with him and see what troubles him and continue to make sure he trusts you then see if he talks. You can also use the older "diaper" pull ups-that may make him think twice abut his situation. Good luck.
I know this will sound odd but he might be constipated. Or he might have had a bad experience on the toilet. You might ask he if it hurts to go. He may need some Miralax to soften thinks up a little.
From my experience recently (with a grandson), it could be constipation and/or family changes. A grandson almost 5 yrs. old became constipated and finally they were told to give him a suppository. Not a good idea as he then quit going until he couldn't hold it and went in his pants. Also they have babies and they get attention and are a lot of work and he was the only one for so long. I think both of these things played a part as he got more attention plus was afraid of it hurting or having anything else done. It took along time and he'd get worse as it went along in time and then started yelling when made to sit on the stool. I do believe that was for attention. If I said stop now he did so pain is not that easy to stop. He is back to normal now pretty much but he still does have some issues with constipation. What is causing all these constipation problems in kids and babies these days? I know of many babies on things for that and never heard of so many issues with that years ago. Anyhow, be firm, try to figure out if it's pain, fear, attention or what and then be patient. I know this is very hard to deal with.
having the same problem also looking for answers
Has anything changed in his diet? Lots of juice lately? Is he sick? Maybe take him to the dr. Does he want attention??? Is he not getting as much attention lately and bad attention would be better than no attention?
Good luck. :)
Is he afraid to tell the teacher he has to go to the bathroom? Did he get in trouble for asking to go to the bathroom at one time? Does he have a new teacher? Is the bathroom scary for some reason? I would ask him gently in case it is a fear issue. You never know with preschoolers....
