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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
3-year-old potty trained, now with bowel
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
3-year-old potty trained, now with bowel
by Sheila A, Oct 07, 1999 12:00AM
My 3-year-old granddaughter has been potty trained for six or seven months without a single accident at my home, but her mother is at wits end with constant(daily) bowel and bladder mishaps. She will take her to the bathroom and thirty minutes later she will have a mishap. She is also having bowel and bladder mishaps in her bed and then smears it on furniture. Her sleep pattern is disrupted also, in that she will awaken at 3:00 and not go back to bed. The pediatrician told the mom to put something in front of her door so she can't get out and roam around the house in the middle of the night. When she did this the bowel and bladder mishaps began. Again, this child has never even wet the bed at my home.
Why would a child exhibit this type of behavior at home only?
note: the mom and dad are no longer together and mom lives with her boyfriend.
Why would a child exhibit this type of behavior at home only?
note: the mom and dad are no longer together and mom lives with her boyfriend.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Oct 08, 1999 12:00AM
, Oct 08, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Sheila A,
I take it from your note that your granddaughter has been at your house for extended periods of time (not simply quick visits), so that you've been able to ascertain that she has achieved control over bowel and bladder.
If so, her behavior is likely indicative of stress and discomfort in her home though, of course, I can't speculate about the specific circumstances that might be occurring. This pattern of behavior warrants professional intervention asap. When children's fundamental needs for affection, nurturance and security are not being met, they often act in disorganized, regressive ways, as your granddaughter is doing. Something in the home environment is resulting in her feeling vulnerable and unprotected - her behavior is symptomatic of her distress.
I take it from your note that your granddaughter has been at your house for extended periods of time (not simply quick visits), so that you've been able to ascertain that she has achieved control over bowel and bladder.
If so, her behavior is likely indicative of stress and discomfort in her home though, of course, I can't speculate about the specific circumstances that might be occurring. This pattern of behavior warrants professional intervention asap. When children's fundamental needs for affection, nurturance and security are not being met, they often act in disorganized, regressive ways, as your granddaughter is doing. Something in the home environment is resulting in her feeling vulnerable and unprotected - her behavior is symptomatic of her distress.
