My 25 month old son will reach into his poopy diaper if ever he gets the chance and smears it on walls and carpet. Does anyone know why or how to stop him? Serious answers only, please!
2006-07-10 18:53:04 · 8 answers · asked by matt H 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
It sounds as if your son has found a very powerful way to get your attention! As difficult as this is, keep in mind that most 2-year-olds are fascinated with their own productions and like to experiment with their own bodies. Warm, squishy, and smelly are all features that your young artist finds attractive in his chosen "media." Here are some ways to channel his creativity elsewhere:
Dress him in overalls or a one-piece outfit. That will make access harder.
Calmly put all BM's in the toilet, but don't flush until he gives you permission. Value rather than dismiss his productions.
Give him lots of warm and squishy play experiences, with play dough, water play in a tub or sink, sand play, and finger paints. See the play section of this site for ideas.
When, despite your best efforts, this behavior occurs anyway, give your son a two-minute time-out without saying anything. After the time-out is over, have him help you clean up. No discussion, wailing, or lecturing.
Try to keep your reaction in check, as an over response is likely to make this activity even more desirable. Calm, firm, and a little sad are the appropriate demeanors to convey. If you treat this behavior like any other unacceptable behavior, he will learn to stop it eventually. Believe me, this too shall pass if you don't make it seem too important
2006-07-10 19:37:41 · answer #1 · answered by N.E.Pats Fan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, either he’s doing it because it gets your attention, or because he’s just curious about the texture. Children at this age can’t and aren’t malicious. I haven’t had this exact problem per say, but if I did the first thing I would do is let him do it in a controlled environment. Like put him in the tub and let him go until he gets bored (maybe the novelty will wear off?). Then hose him down really well. Maybe if his curiosity is satisfied he’ll leave it alone. Or if he sees that you’re not reacting to it (just sit next to him on the toilet lid or something and don’t react) he may give it up. If he’s looking for attention you may be able to see a pattern… every time I’m on the phone poo-painting happens, or whenever I’m busy and trying to get housework done poo-painting happens. Have you tried giving him an alternative? Maybe play dough? Even warm the play dough up in the microwave for a few seconds and give it to him next time you see him reach for that play dough fun factory in his pants? Most of the time kids are just curious… this is his first time for all things. Things that seem blatantly obvious to us as adults just aren’t to kids. I suspect he also is intrigued by the attention it gets him. “Ooh, if I push this “button” dad flies through the roof”! It’s a form of control even if it bears with it negative consequences.
2006-07-11 02:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by Bun-Bun Momma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OUch. I feel for your walls...
It may still be early for potty training, the very fact he plays with IT is telling that he is proud of his "production" and wants to put it on show... and the fact that mommy is getting all worked up about it is a special treat (2 yrs is the age of NO after all...).
I can't imagine much, other than ensuring to change him right away (if you can identify a moment of the day to put him on the potty.... that would be wonderful) so he does not get a chance to smear, provide him with plenty of artistic opportunities of different kind - finger paint, sponge paint, spray paint (food coloring in a little water and a spray bottle do wonders on a sheet of paper or on a light colored beach... or on snow, but that is not seasonal!!!). Praise his works of art! he may find there the exit.
Punishing and asking him to clean is not really effective, he is too young. and tapping the hand is not either. The best is really to remove the cause, but it means to put you in his steps... :)
2006-07-11 02:13:57 · answer #3 · answered by OneLilithHidesAnother 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you lay him down for his diaper change, give him something to play with, one of his toys, a soft book to chew, etc. Don't give him the same toy or item each time or he'll lose interest & reach for that diaper mess. My son did that too. I gathered a few of his toys & put them in a small basket to grab one from when doing diaper changes. I rotated them with his other toys. Sometimes, I'd let him have the TV remote & button push. The sounds of the changing channels got his attention away from his diaper. Or I'd take the battery out of the cordless phone & let him pretend to make calls. It's a phase he's going through, gross & nasty that it is.
2006-07-11 01:59:22 · answer #4 · answered by Belle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be potty trained by now...He is in his terrible two's and is going to keep doing it...You can't really say it's his fault..You should have had him potty trained before this
2006-07-11 03:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by Mrs. M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, coming from an old mom here (grandma now). That kid should be potty trained by now.
2006-07-11 01:58:57 · answer #6 · answered by maamu 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him the cleaner and the rag and make him clean up the mess by himself.
2006-07-11 01:59:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure on how to get him to stop. have you tried popping his backside or his hand when he does this? if not maybe try this. maybe its time to start potty training him. good luck
2006-07-11 02:01:20 · answer #8 · answered by curious 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋