Soiling

[mummy90]

My daughter has just turned four, she has been potty trained from she was 2 and has never had any problems. The past 3 days she has started dirtying herself, the first time it was an accident. But the 2 times after have not been she has actually pushed the poo out then asked to use the bathroom. Could there be something up with her??

[mummy90]

thanks very much :)

[specialmom]

Well, there could be.  My son is 6 and he started the first grade this year.  He was a potty training champ-----  but wet his pants most days for about a week after school started.  We determined that he was stressed and over tired.  We worked with him to get to be earlier, to ask his teacher BEFORE he 'really' had to go bad and for the teacher to respond to him if he was 'doing the dance' and to overall be less stressed.  He's not had an accident since.  

The reason I ask about constipation is this----  my son has had this off and on (my other son, not the 6 year old).  It is quite confusing when a child is constipated----------  my son has always had regular bowel movements.  constipation can also include when it is 'hard to go' (you'd notice dark brown, pellets or small pieces------------  sorry, not to gross you out but just trying to explain).  My son probably felt like he had to go a long bit before he actually had to-----  you've probably had that sensation before of 'something' is there but not coming out.  (again, sorry for being graphic).  This is confusing to a 4  year old.  Just in case she IS a bit constipated, I'd start to give her a bit more fresh fruit and some grape juice to see if this helps.  Worth a try.

Otherwise, if she is emotionally distressed, try to help her express it.  Try talking about feelings.  good luck

[mummy90]

no she goes every day and it always without any problems, she has never had any toileting problems until this. Im just worried that there is something playing on her mind that she cant explain .

[specialmom]

That could be related.  but also consider constipation.  It can cause issues if a child feels like they have to go for a while before they do, it is confusing to a four year old and they can begin to go and then not know what to do.  could she be constipated?

[mummy90]

thanks, she did change for a daycare place to a nursery school leaving behind friends that she was with from she was 3 months, this happened in September. Do you think this could be related?

[skepticalpeach]

Has anything in her life changed at all? Is she stressed about something? Just be patient and don't make a big deal of the regression. That doesn't mean that you can't talk to her about it. Ask her to try and stop doing that. You could also go back to the old potty training techniques. Give her candy or stickers every time she makes it to the potty. We've had to do that a few times over the years with our 5 year old. Potty training is hard and it's not uncommon for kids to regress.

If it becomes clear it's not a behavioral problem then I would talk to her doctor about it. She could have a UTI or other medical problem. I'm sure she'll be find in the end! Just don't make her feel bad about the accidents.