6Yr Old Son Is Afraid to Go #2 After He Thought He Clogged the Toilet????

Updated on January 15, 2011
C.W. asks from Denver, CO
6 answers

Hi Moms I need suggestions.
About a week ago my son thought he clogged the toilet after going #2 and for 2 days he cried and worried that the pipes were going to break or that the toilet would not work anymore because he thought he put to much toilet paper in the toilet. He didn't clog the toilet and we talked and reasurred him that the toilet and the pipes are fine.
Now we are on the 4th day of not going #2 (he has always been regular every day or every other day). What should I do? Should I go to the drug store and get stuff to make him have to go? should I talk to him more? should I leave it alone?
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G.T.

answers from Modesto on

Interesting. He's 6 years old so it seems you should be able to explain to him how irrational he is being. I don't know your son or his maturity/intellegence level. If it were my 6 yr old I would get graphic on what holding your poop in does to your body, explaining that it is poison waste and thats why it has to come out. I'd show him that the toilet is flushing fine. And I'd make him sit on it for at least 15 minutes and let him know how important it is to go otherwise he'll have to have an enema. But, that's just my sons, they could handle that. If yours is more timid you might need a different approach. I'd load him up with so much fiber and fluid he wont have a choice but to go. The longer he holds it in the harder and drier it will get and will probably hurt when he goes :(

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R..

answers from Chattanooga on

Maybe you could purposely plug the toilet (don't let him know it was on purpose!) then tell him 'Uh-oh! mommy plugged the toilet, can you help me fix it?' and proceed to plunge it out. Maybe when he sees how easy it is to fix, and that it doesn't only happen to him, he won't be so scared? I know that for the longest time I was scared to flush public toilets because I was always scared they would plug up and overflow... until I worked in a place where I saw how much some toilets can take before plugging up!

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

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R.L.

answers from Denver on

Don't make an issue over it,
instead subtly feed him foods loaded with fiber to help loosen up the the mass that needs to be released. Oatmeal (not prepackaged) made with milk, raisins, honey and cinnamon may be a good start, WW, WG breads have more fiber than gutten saturated white bread. Also whole milk, not low fat, may help to loosen it up, as well as plain yogurt with a little bit of honey mixed in. Go for a walk, where he can run around, hence loosen it up.

A favorite recipe that may help (warm lunch or side with dinner: Maple Acorn squash, cut acorn in 1/2, clean out seeds and strings, add 2 teaspoons butter, and 1-2 T of maple syrup per half. Place in a pan of water, cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for about 40-45 minutes or until tender. You may wish to sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on top of the acorn 1/2, prior to baking.

You could also serve a meal ie tacos, with black beans or refried black beans, more fiber than pinto, with lots of shredded lettuce. Also know that eventually it will pass, sooner than you may think.
And for now, stray away from processed foods, cheese or rice.

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K.S.

answers from Denver on

6 is a great age because you can give him some power over this. Here's what I would do. Don't try to point out that he is being irrational. This does not help! Ask him what he's afraid of and reassure him that you hear him. "I hear that you are afraid that the toilet will clog again and that the pipes will break, that must feel scary to you". This will do wonders on its own. Then tell him that clogged toilets happen sometimes, and then show him what to do to fix it. Show him how to use a plunger, and how to stop the water altogether. And how to call for you when it happens.

If you freaked out when this happened, let him know that you are sorry and that you were just surprised, but not mad, etc. And tell him if it happens again you might be surprised again because it's one of those things that require quick action, but it doesn't mean that you are mad.

Sort of go through that it's a pain when it happens, but that there are worse things in the world- this is for the toilet and if the pipes would break. When kids are already afraid of something, it doesn't help to say they are overreacting or being silly. The toilet could clog, the pipes could break (though not likely)- tell him it's happened before to lots of people and they just handled it. Ask him to think of things that are worse, and maybe try to lighten the mood with this- would it be worse to clog the toilet or if the world ran out of mac and cheese (or whatever), what if there were no more cartoons. You get the idea. Just listen to him.

As for the pooping, I agree with whoever said to subtly add fiber and whatever else to his food. Hopefully the timing will work out with what you talked to him about. Also ask him if he'd like you to be there when he poops to make sure things are ok. Ask him what would be helpful to him.

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

4 days is a long time not to go #2! Add fruit and raisins into his diet with plenty of fluids. If no success by tomorrow morning I'd call the ped and ask nurse for advice.

I think six is still young so he may just need a little re-assurance. Tell him EVERYBODY has clogged the toilet sometime and not to worry one bit about it. The toilet is used to it. Show him how to use the plunger. Maybe he is embarrassed for you to see his poop! If that is not it can you tell him if it happens just to come whisper in your ear and you will take care of it?

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