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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Is my 3 1/2 yr old son regressing or rebelling?
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
Is my 3 1/2 yr old son regressing or rebelling?
by Niki7732, Feb 21, 2001 12:00AM
I have a 3.5 yr old son and a 2 yr old son. Their father and I broke up 7 months ago and I recently moved in with another guy. He has 2 boys of his own - same ages. My 3.5 yr old has recently started going to the bathroom in his pants. He has been potty trained for some time and has had occasional accidents, but for the last week he has not had a bm on the toilet once - he goes in his pants. He does urinate in the toilet though. I want to know if he's regressing to get some attention because there are 4 kids in the house now, if he's doing this because he misses his father, or if there is some medical reason.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Feb 21, 2001 12:00AM
, Feb 21, 2001 12:00AM
It is important in such instances to rule out any physical cause for the symptom, though it is unlikely that there's any underlying medical concern. The most likely medical condition would be constipation.
It is probable that your son's behavior is symptomatic of the stress brought about by such significant change in his life. His world has been turned upside down, and regression around such a recent developmental task as toilet training would actually be expected under the circumstances. This behavior is not so much a bid for attention as it is a sign of how upsetting all the change is. Talk with him about all that has happened, mostly to learn about his thoughts and reactions. It would help to consult a mental health professional and arrange some short-term therapy to address the changes and to give you some guidance about how to respond to your son.
It is probable that your son's behavior is symptomatic of the stress brought about by such significant change in his life. His world has been turned upside down, and regression around such a recent developmental task as toilet training would actually be expected under the circumstances. This behavior is not so much a bid for attention as it is a sign of how upsetting all the change is. Talk with him about all that has happened, mostly to learn about his thoughts and reactions. It would help to consult a mental health professional and arrange some short-term therapy to address the changes and to give you some guidance about how to respond to your son.
