My 4 year old is regressing

26/09/2007 at 12:54

My 4 year old son has recently started soiling himself on a very regular basis. He has been 'clean' for over 12 months but over the last week or so has started soiling his pants at least 3 times a day.
We're not talking huge amounts just enough to stain and smell. I'm now reaching the end of my tether as i'm very quickly running out of idea's as well as underpants!!
i have tried talking to him and getting him to ask for help but this doesn't seem to be working. Admittedly i have got cross too and this doesn't help either. On a more practicle note i have got an appointment book with the doctor but hoped someone out there may be able to offer some help.

Twin1 Tasha

26/09/2007 at 16:34

Hi Elou
My eldest is 2 1/2 and only just potty trained so can't offer much practical advice, but just a thought, has he just started school and if so could it be a reaction to his new routine? Sorry can't be much more help Tasha x

Zoe

26/09/2007 at 17:19

Hi Elou,

Have you tried a sticker chart? Everytime he uses the toilet he gets a sticker on the chart working towards a prize at the end. Maybe after a week. This worked with Jack as a behaviour chart but a friend used it as a toilet reward and it worked for her to. Worth a try if you haven't tried it already. Let us know how you get on.

Zoe x

jd_mummy

26/09/2007 at 19:10

Hi Elou,

Has something changed or happened in his life, even something small? If so this may be the reason, if not then a visit to the gp is a good idea just to check nothing else is going on

Good Luck let us know how you go

Takcare love jd_mummy xxx

26/09/2007 at 20:17

Firstly if everything is the same at home I'd be going into school just to doubl check everything is the same at school. Secondly as a help why not try using cheap pant liners ( like for women ) my freind swore by them when she was nappy training her son as he used to wee just a little bit sometimes before he knew he needed the potty. Very cheap and easily changed - he can still wear pants at the same time.

Rachel&MaisyS

01/10/2007 at 10:14

hi elou
maisy (3) sometimes has weeing accidents but it's when shes busy doing other things playing and stuff.
i just ask her if she needs to go to the toilet or take her when i go
rachxx

15/10/2007 at 12:26

Hi all,
thank you for all your suggestions. It's taken a while but i think i have got to the root of the problem.
He had a clash of personalities with his new childminder.
Although he did have a stomach upset which added to it, it seems he wasn't getting along with the new Childminder. I have reduced my hours at work and after a week of me taking both my children to school and picking them up, we are back to clean days and nights. :-)
It means a complete overhaul at home, as now that i have reduced my hours at work i can't afford my home (i'm a single parent.) so i'm now looking to move to a cheaper area, but if in the long run it means all of my children are more settled then it will be worth it.

Thank you all once again for your suggestions

elou x

15/10/2007 at 13:51

Well at least you have solved the problem! I am sure he loves seeing you more and i hope you find a nice cheaper alternative housing. Come back and tell us how it is all going!

jd_mummy

15/10/2007 at 20:46

Hi elou,

I'm really pleased that you've been able to find out what was bothering him, sorry to hear you've got to move but as you say if you know in the long run it will mean you're children are happier it's worth while

Take care
Love jd_mummy xx

Zoe

15/10/2007 at 21:25

Hi Elou,

Glad you got to the root of the problem it's just a pity you now need to move. Putting you're children first though you are a great mum. Take care.

Zoe x