soiled diaper, urine, hiding

At the moment, I'm nannying a three year old boy who has become successfully potty trained within the last month. He continues to wear a diaper at night to avoid accidents. There is some unusual behaviour occuring involving soiled diapers coinciding with recently discovering his sexuality. He has been masturbating in his room or behind furniture. I noticed he was in his closet naked to discover he also had pee-soaked diapers spread around himself. I asked him to get dressed in order to help me clean up. I told him the diapers smelled and were used and they belonged in the the wastebin. He has pulled out more soiled diapers during his time alone and placed them in his mom and dad's bed while he snuggled in it. The diapers are now being put in another container outside. What could possibly be going on?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Time will tell. What I suggest doing is focusing on his taking the used diapers. Set a very firm limit on that (as well as making the diapers less accessible to him). From what you are saying, he is not using diapers during the day. He has accomplished toilet training only recently, and it may be that he has not yet mastered this and that is why he is seeking the diapers. If he needs more time to accomplish training, so be it. My guess is that he has not really mastered this to the degree that you and his parents think he has. You will know by what occurs when he has no access to the diapers. But if he needs more time, be very supportive of this.