potty training reversal in school aged boy

[chance55]

Our 4 year old just started junior kindergarten, which is all day, 5 days a week. He use to take 2-3 hour daily naps, and has been fully potty trained for 2 years. Within the first 5 days of school, he has started pooping his pants, both at school and at home! He is expected the wipe his own bum at school, which he struggles with. The teachers are unable to help them at that age, due to ' legal ' reasons. He is happy, enjoys school, and doesn't cry about going. His teacher says he is very engaged in class and outdoor play. He is otherwise healthy,eats and sleeps wells, and has no bowel or bladder issues. He is not constipated! I have currently taken him out of class until I can get him looked at by our family doctor.  What can you suggest?

[margypops]

I am so glad that there was a reason and how great he is doing well at school .good luck

[chance55]

Thank you for your advise. We have kept him home for 2 days, and are beginning to believe he may have picked up a digestive virus at school. It would make sense, and explain why he may not be able to controls his bowels both at school, and at home. The first day home, he had one small accident in his pants, and the next time, he got 98% in the potty. Today, he is 100%. I have spoken at length, with his teacher, and he has been doing great at school, seems to really enjoy it, and appears to be making some tiny friends. It has been a huge change for him, and alot less sleep. Perfect environment to get an illness. He isn't stressed to go to school, and no tears. We plan to keep him home another few days, and try again Friday.  We have been very good about being understanding about the accidents, and don't get angry. We knew something was wrong...........but what?? Something so simple as a bug, had us totally puzzled. We'll see what the next few days bring, and go from there. Thank you for your input!

[margypops]

well of course this is to do with school, they probably are not telling the children to use the bathroom, really you have to ask the teachers to remind him maybe once or twice during the day ,its unfortunate as it creates an anxiety in him,As to the wiping children do not wipe well so you may be stuck with that till he gets older and can wipe. Don't get on his case about the issue it will make it worse , instead work on telling him that when he feels he has to go, to go to the bathroom or ask teacher can he go .I wonder if you give him some soft tissue or a wet wipe he can take with him if that would help .good luck its not his fault..