I have a 3 1/2 year old son, who is not potty trained, who will fight me when I have to clean his privates. Whether it is in the bathroom or changing his diaper. I also feel that this is holding him back from potty training. He refuses to touch it and has a fit if you try. The last time I tried potty training I really thought I was home free. He used the potty all day on his own, I didn't have to ask, he would just go to the bathroom and let me know when he was done, no accidents. Then the next day he was holding it until he couldn't any more and when I went to put him on the potty so he would not have an accident he through a fit! He was screaming, fighting against me to not sit on the potty. He got so upset he almost threw up, which he has never done before. It took 5-10 minutes to get him calmed down. I figured it was time to take a break, but he still has no interest in using the potty and is getting worst when I have to clean him. He keeps telling me it hurts and will try and kick me while I clean him. If you can offer me any advise I would appreciate it.
Has he been on any antibiotics recently? If so and If his private area looks at all brighter red he might have a yeast infection that needs treated which could be causing some pain.
Dear L.,
I am a grandma. I am also a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and I treat pediatric patients. My assessment of your dilemma is simple....Don't worry so much! At the same time, my thoughts are that you may be dealing with the possibility that your son has a cold sensitivity issue, and he is rebelling to the sensation of cold. Try using warmth. Do something different, and use warm water; take more time during the diaper changing task. Don't rush through it. . There also may be something in the environment of his room or the place where you are doing the changing that he does not like. I had the same problem with one of my children, and it went away, but i discovered quite by accident that cold was the real issue. My experience is that most solutions to life's problems have a very simple solution and we're always thinking things are more complicated than they really are.
Sincerely,
S. Martin
Since he says it hurts and he reacts to you with such force, I say take him to the doctor. Sounds like there may be a problem and he is to young to vocalize it. Good luck.
The first thing that popped in my head was a possible urinary tract infection? Best of luck; I hope this is just a phase for you and nothing serious.
I would check with the pediatrician and schedule an appt. Maybe there is something going on (urinary tract infection, hernia, you never know) that is causing him some pain/discomfort when he sits on the toilet or uses the bathroom.
I would take him to the doctor and get him checked out. He very well may have something going on. Good luck.
Definitely have your son checked out by a doctor. Hopefully, it is something simple but it is a good idea to rule out anything more serious. Also, and I don't want to alarm you, you need to be sure that no ONE has hurt him.
Good luck with this. Potty training can be so hard. My, now 9-yr. old son, was over 3 when he finally got it; my, now 7-yr. old daughter, was just around 2. I now have a 16 month old son who is already showing an interest. Hopefully, things will go smoothly with him.
Hi there! I have a daughter who's almost 3 and a son who's almost 1, so I don't have quite the same experience that you do. We just recently potty trained our daughter. She was interested in it but always wanted her diaper, and we had a heck of a time getting her trained. We finally tried going cold turkey and just put her in her undies and let it fly. She had a rough first day but for the most part was ok after that. Anyway, my only thought is if he says that it hurts that maybe he has a urinary tract infection or something else going on that's causing it to hurt-- and hence he doesn't want to go potty. Just a thought. Hope everything works out!! :)
Maybe he has an infection. Is he circumcized? I would take him to the doc to rule out an actual physical problem going on here before treating it as a behavioral problem. Good luck!
L., you may want to go to your doctor to make sure he doesn't have a bladder infection. Urinary-related infections can make anyone (adult or child) very cranky about going to the bathroom. Or perhaps a bowel issue. Worth calling your doctor.
He may have a urinary tract infection. I'd take hime to the doctor. He would have to give a urine specimen, which may be a fight.
My suggestion would be to have him examined by his pediatrician, if you haven't already done so. Anytime a child complains that his private area hurts, it is a good idea to make sure that there are no medical issues that could be causing it. Also, who cares for him while you are at work? Check with his caregiver to see if he/she gets the same reaction when they have to change his diaper. This might help you get some more insight as to what could be causing his behavior.
Hello L.
I would like to share some advice regarding your 3 1/2 year old son. I think that it maybe a problem there if he was going consistently with no problem prior. It's awfully strange that He's complaining of discomfort in that area. I truly believe that you should seek a pediatrician for an exam etc. Also has his behavior changed in any other area?
Thanks
L.
I have to agree with Sarah on this one. If I were you I would call your pediatrician and have him checked. If the doctors gives the all clear, it could be that he pinched himself on the toilet seat (or maybe fell into the water a bit) the last time he went potty and is afraid of it now. If he was using the adult potty, try getting him his own potty and let him keep it where ever he wants (my youngest liked to have hers in my walk in shower but my oldest wanted to carry hers with her all the time).
Good Luck!
