my 7 year old poops his pants

[sus1958]

I am so frustrated.  My 7 year old son poops his pants and stays in it like that for as long as he can.  He goes to school and will stay like that all day.  It is not a lot but enough that people can smell it if you get closer.  He never used to do this since he was potty trained.  He just started this about a year and a half ago .  He is so very skinny like skin and bones.  I try to get him to each good foods, he likes caesar salads and veggies.  He sometimes gets constipated and he poops so much that even an adult does not have a bowel movement like that.  But it seems he holds it in and then lets out a little a time. I asked him do not feel that you have to go? He really doesn't want to say.  He is scared of getting in trouble and tries to hide when he does it , that is what tells me that he has gone in his pants.  The thing I have notice is the distinct bad odor of the bowel movement.  It always smells the same and very strong. I tried a laxative but it gets softer but he does it anyway.  I just clean him up.  Is it me cleaning him up that he thinks it ok or does he have some kind of bowel problem.  Anyone have any suggestions.  He never did this before that is what frustrates me the most.  

[Sandman2]

   Check out the link I gave above on "sneaky poo".  Besides being helpful, it has a great story to read to the child about the whole process.

[NJgirl79]

My son is 5.. he also goes in his pants. But its becsuse hes scared to go.. he had a large bowel movement a few months back and hes scared since. It is very frustrating.  

[Sandman2]

   Another poster just mentioned this down load.  It is worth your time to check it out.  The link is ...http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/services/az/divisions/paedm/genmedicine/documents/Sneaky_poo.pdf

[Sandman2]

      Seems like this started when he started school?   does he have this problem also over the summer or only during school?
       Constipation can be a huge problem for little guys as it is painful, so they don't want to poop - until they have no choice.  Is the poop in his underwear hard?  thus showing constipation or kinda of runny?  
       But, if he eats a lot of salads and veggies, he should be getting enough fiber to help with that.  A lot of fluids is also important.
       One problem for him is that he is not getting enough protein, if salads and veggies is all he is eating.   He needs meats, cheeses, nuts, beans etc.  Or a supplemental protein drink.
        and yes, it is all right for you to clean it up.  The fact he is hiding it shows he is ashamed.  He needs to get over that feeling. He might have some kind of a bowel problem, only a doc could tell you that.  But more importantly I think is a docs opinion of his weight problem.
        Anyway, if you can answer the questions on top of this post - I may be able to help more.