'Accidents'

My daughter will be 7 in 10 days. She has been "fully" potty-trained since she was 4.
For the past 5 days, every day, she has had a b.m. while out playing. She says, "It was an accident."
Could it be she just gets too involved in playing or should I be concerned that it is something emotionally deeper?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Stephanie,

It's very unlikely that your daughter is displaying emotional unrest via this behavior. The first condition I'd rule out is constipation - this accounts for a large percentage of soiling that begins suddenly in the way your daughter's condition has. Also, ask her about it and see what she thinks. Is she mindful she needs to use the bathroom but doesn't wish to interrupt her play? Is she not even mindful of what is occurring? How has she responded to the episodes? Does she seem concerned? I imagine that, since this has not been a difficulty for her all along, she will quickly return to her baseline normal level of functioning.

[stephanie]

Thank you so much for your quick response.
I asked her if I should get "pull-ups" and she thought that would be fine.
This just makes me crazy!!!
But, I sincerely appreciate your answer.
Thank you.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Stephanie,

It might not be a good idea to proceed with pull-ups. This would de facto encourage this regressive behavior, instead of encouraging your daughter to resume her ususal 'big girl' skills.