This sounds like Encopresis. Here is one website:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/encopresis.html
My son had this condition and it took us a very long time to diagnose and come up with a treatment plan. It is important that this child get treated soon. Once he hits school it will make his social life VERY hard...trust me, I know. My son had a terrible time in elementary school because of this condition. We finally used a treatemnt plan from this website: www.soilingsolutions.com. It was a godsend and I'm happy to say that it completely cured our son. I hope this helps!
Oh goodness, it sounds like it is time for a GI doctor. Peeing is one thing, but soiling at his age. I am willing to bet it is pretty stinky and loose (not quite diariah but not formed) My son has chronic infantile diariaha diagonsed at two. I have IBS so it was easy for me to spot. Now he is just clasified as a low tolerance child. He does not eat dairy, soy (bean), nor corn (including corn syrup). Preservative are a big no like the soys and corn syrups in produced foods. BHT. This means we eat organic, 100% natural (packed in natural juices and citric acid) and cook a lot. there are some products that are fine like Lays plain potatoe chips and Back to Nature Grahm sticks. but the list is limited and expensize. and, we all feel better not eating that proessed stuff anyway. But i bet your nephew can't control his bowels...otherwise, he would be going on the toilet. We see Dr. Rosenweig and love him as he is very kind and has kids himself.
This situation is extreme. I would either have the pediatrician recommend a child psychologist for the family, or call Children's Hospital, where they have a clinic for children with poop/pee problems.
You know, when it comes to elimination, we always choose to believe the child KNOWS when to go and has complete and full control over it. This is NOT always the case.
Has he had a complete physical exam AND has he had an evaluation with a child psychiatrist (the medical doctor, not the therapist) for THIS??
If a child is in an abusive situation or has been sexually abused, this is common.
If the child has a colon, anal, or rectal problem, this is common. (think Pain when releasing will cause a child to avoid bowel movements)
Also, remember, in a child's life, there is only one or two things they have control of; what they put in their mouths and how they eliminate it. AND, let's face it, the eliminating is the one they have the MOST power over. This is an area where pushing you're own will proves futile and frustrating. Stop with the punishments and focus on the other good things he does...this is becoming TOO much of the focal point in their relationship with him--their whole world is all about his bowels.
So, if they're going to be upset about it; take him to a good CHILD PSYCHIATRIST for a thorough evaluation, take him to get a complete physical exam to rule out structural or functional difficulties, and allow him the pleasure of cleaning up after himself--stop making it an issue and HE'LL stop making it an issue whether it's in his control or not.
Avoid assuming anything.
It sounds like encopresis, punishing him will not help but only make it worse.You should look it up on line and get educated on the condition.There is a Dr. who specializes in this, his name is Dr Robert Collins and his website is www.soilingsolutions.com. This is an incredibly stressful situation for both the child and the parent.It's easy to judge but just try to have compassion for them.It took us years to find out about encopresis and I believe Dr Collins' program has saved our daughter.
Hi Tiffany,
They have to stop punishing him immediately and take him to a Doctor. There are many great pediatric Docs that will have helpful ideas. Have them look up a Developmental Pediatrician in their area. Also they need to make the school aware of the situation. Most public schools do not have toileting assistants. They may have to take hime to a different school in the district until they can figure out this situation.
Take care,
Becki
Hi Tiffany,
A suggestion I would have would be to create a reward chart. Each day he does not poop his pants he gets to put a sticker or smily face on the chart. Once he gets five in a row or whatever works for you have him get a reward (small toy or out for ice cream or something he would want. Good luck!
OK, I read some of the responses and I have to say that the advice is good...to an extent. I was once where you are now. My daughter would poop in her pants often. We tried making her wash them and letting her wear them all day long. It didnt help. We tried the big girl thing, taking away priviledges and such, but with no changes in her behavior. Then about a year ago, I recorded an episode of Dr. Phil that I planned on watching, but I got bored and almost deleted it multiple times. Every time I went to delete it, I felt very strongly that I should watch it and finally I did. It was an episode where parents could ask various medical DR's questions, and one of the families featured seemed to be telling my story. The woman had two boys (ages 9 & 15) that were still pooping in thier underware and it was a nightmare for them. What I didnt know is that there is a medical condition called encompresis sp? that is part of chronic constipation. What happens is there is a hard old clog of poop in the colon which stretches the colon. Then the fresher, softer poop seeps out around it into the underware. The stimulation of the hard clog eventually causes the child to loose the ability to feel that they have to go; the rectum becomes overstimulated and so they just quit feeling the urge to go. As for the smell after the accident, well it is like wearing perfume; after a while you cant smell your perfume anymore because you become used to the smell.
My daughter and I spent years going round and round. I thought that she was just being lazy, but in reality she has a real problem. A quick trip to her doctor got us on the right path. He prescribed Miralax, which is really great, and keeps her regulated, but I forget to give it to her. A week ago, I decided to try her on Activia since she can get it for herself, and it has worked wonders. She has pooped in the toilet every day she has eaten it.
Good luck.
Leave him in his poopy diapers and wait to change him. If this doesn’t bother him and give him a diaper rash to remember. If that doesn’t work send him to kindergarten in diapers.his peers will help you get him out.