My 4 year old son has started having accidents on himself. He's been doing this for the past week. I checked with his school and he did the same thing there today. Why would he start having accidents all of a sudden?
2007-03-26 11:20:27 · 6 answers · asked by Cori 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I would first take him to his doctor and rule out a bladder infection or any other medical condition. If it is not some sort of infection, my guess is that he could be stressed or is feeling powerless and finding some control in his life by having accidents. Are there any changes that could be causing stress in his life (New baby, move, new school, school problems, family issues)? What happens when he does this? Is he getting some extra attention from you when this happens? If you think he is stressed, give him some support.
Hold him responsible for the clean up. If you see that he has soiled himself at home, say to him “It looks like you need to change.” Give it no more attention than that. He can remove the soiled clothing, rinse them out, put them in the laundry, clean himself and any wet area, and put on clean clothing.
If you feel it is a power issue, help him to feel powerful by saying things like “You did that without any help!” “You can jump super high!” “You did that so neatly!” “Look how many colors you used on your picture!” These types of phrases are much more affective than using rewards such as stickers or treats. They are great confidence builders, great ways to help him feel powerful, and great ways to show attention.
Find things for him to do at home where he has control. He can help you prepare dinner or a snack, help with siblings (if any), help with grocery shopping, pick out his clothing, and “adult-like” activities. He will feel proud to help and glad to have some control in positive ways. Hope this helps! Best of luck to you!
2007-03-26 11:41:37 · answer #1 · answered by marnonyahoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Accidents are a normal part of the toilet training process, and most children will continue to have them for up to six months after they've been trained. Your child needs you to deal with each accident calmly and supportively. If you're seeing improvement, things are probably progressing normally. If your child deliberately pees or poops on the floor regularly, though, you should probably schedule an appointment with his doctor to discuss the situation. She may suggest that you put toilet training on hold for a while until your child gives up this undesirable (but undeniably effective) attention-seeking behavior. He might be stressed. If he is a kid that always did it on time until now maybe you need to bring this up with his pediatrician, could be something serious.
best of luck!
2007-03-26 11:35:36 · answer #2 · answered by mom_princess77 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, boys in particular can get really engrossed in an activity and forget to use the bathroom.... but it sounds like your son didn't do this before. Usually this is a red flag that there is something stressful going on for your son. Is there anything new going on in his life, any changes? Sometimes something so minor you wouldn't even know its so stressful for a child. Is there any chance he's doing it for attention? Just some thoughts... .hope it helps and good luck!
2007-03-26 11:31:12 · answer #3 · answered by Mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, you may want to talk to him about it. But unfortunantley I don't think you'll get to much out of a 4 year old boy. So if it keeps happening let him know that it's not okay to do this. Also keep a close eye on him- he may just be doing this becuase he wants attention. I don't really know what else to say. Sorry. I hope everything will be fine! Best of luck!!!
2007-03-26 11:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by bubbles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sudden potty accidents could be a sign of stress in your child. Is there anything going on at home such as a new baby or maybe something else that he sees as disruptive to his place in the family? This could also be a sign of abuse. Or it could be nothing, I would consult his doctor possibly.
2007-03-26 11:24:57 · answer #5 · answered by juniormintsrock 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try reminding him to use the bathroom. He could be to busy and having fun and doesn't get there until it is to late. it is also possible that he isn't feeling good or has a uti or bladder, kidney infection. Keep an eye on him, check for fever, call pedi if it doesn't get any better. my guess would be he is becoming to busy with what he is doing.
2007-03-26 11:26:07 · answer #6 · answered by cheoli 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋