Why does my 5 year old poop in his pants. We have a rule that we give them a shower when they poop themselves (so we can get them clean) And when I just showered him I asked him why he can't poop on the toilet. Repeated Oct 17, 2025 · Understanding the Concept of Intentional Pooping Pants on Purpose, also known as fecal soiling, is the act of deliberately defecating in one's pants. Learn about common potty training problems, why accidents and refusing to go to the potty are normal, and what to do about these setbacks. Rather than using the toilet, a child with encopresis will eliminate in their underwear or on the floor Soiling (Encopresis) My child is way past toilet training, but he still soils his underwear. Oct 10, 2024 · Question I have a ten-year-old son who has developed the habit of pooping his pants and/or not cleaning properly, leading to messy underwear almost daily. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment options. They can’t control this. Belly pain. Causes of urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence has many causes. He has had a couple of times that he actually pooped in the potty. Sep 15, 2025 · What should I do about potty training setbacks in my older child? Can’t figure out why your 4-, 5- or 6-year-old is still having potty accidents? Here’s what the experts have to say. He soils his pants at least once, maybe three times a day. Encopresis can be a sign of constipation. Explore the symptoms, causes, and discover ways to treat your child’s constipation. Long periods of time between bowel movements. Possible reasons why children with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD may poop their Fecal incontinence is a very common problem in children. What cause you to poop yourself? Bowel Aug 13, 2023 · Why, oh why, do toddlers scoop up, smoosh, or even eat (yes, eat) their own poop? Just like with self-touch, poop play is all about exploring. It started about two weeks ago, I could smell something foul when I went near her and since then about twice a day she has poop in her pants. Daniel Mruzek answers a question from a parent who needs help with their autistic child who forgets to use toilet when distracted. So the child continues to avoid having a BM, often by dancing, crossing the legs, making faces, or walking on Mar 25, 2022 · We look at why children might pass stool in places other than the toilet (encopresis) and treatments that can help. Next, make it a point to reward him for cleaning up his messes. Sometimes urinary incontinence happens because children’s nerves or urinary tracts haven’t developed typically. Is your child refusing to be potty trained? Here’s why you’re meeting with potty training resistance from your toddler, signs it’s happening and what you can do. 3-year-old 100% potty trained for pee, but not poop June 2007 My 3 yo old son is almost 100% potty trained for pee, except at night (he is even dry after naps). Sep 11, 2023 · One of the most challenging issues is when a 4-year-old holds their poop. I have talked to him Oct 17, 2025 · Struggling with potty training? Find emotional support and practical tips for overcoming 10 common issues and creating a smoother potty journey. Jun 30, 2025 · Encopresis is when a child who is toilet trained passes stool (bowel movements) into his or her underwear. It is the passing of stools into the underwear or pajamas, far past the time of normal toilet training. Dec 15, 2022 · Kids are going to have bathroom accidents. He would have small bits of poop in his underwear, brown stains every day. May 1, 2025 · Learn about encopresis, its causes, symptoms, and how to help children manage this challenging condition. What can I do to be teaching appropriate self-touch? Oct 17, 2025 · Learn supportive methods to help toddlers who hold their poop, including alternative therapies and expert advice, for smoother bathroom routines. My 3 year old daughter is potty trained y year and a half ago, and now after she turned three . Your eyes and nose turn toward your child, the source of this tell-tale smell. Soiling can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control. Dr. Hard poop piles up at the end of the rectum. It is clear he is aware of his poop and ''knows what to do,'' so to speak. This is called encopresis (say "en-koh-PREE-sus"). Nov 18, 2024 · Dealing with toileting troubles is one of the most unappealing aspects of raising a child, especially when the challenges come with going number two. Feb 26, 2024 · WebMD looks at encopresis, a condition in which children defecate outside the toilet, along with other elimination disorders like bed-wetting. Jun 13, 2017 · Up to 4 percent of potty-trained children who are at least 4 years old experience daytime wetting accidents, according to data from “Oski’s Pediatrics. Jun 12, 2024 · How to Stop Toddlers From Pooping in Their Pants Accidents are part of potty training. He comes from a split house, spending the majority of his time at the other household. But when those accidents become a pattern of puddling, here’s how you can help with potty training. When Your Child Has Encopresis Your child has uncontrolled leakage of poop (stool) from the opening where poop leaves the body (anus). " This is a frustrating situation for parents to be in, and it can be worrisome, too. Feb 19, 2023 · If you get a stinky whiff of poo from your child’s nether regions when you are giving them a hug, then they might well have done a poo in their pants. This ultimately leads to kids Jun 6, 2014 · I would like some help on how to deal with an 8 year old boy, who is refusing to go number 2's in the toilet and does them in his pants and then won't go and clean himself up. Common Reasons for Potty Training Setbacks in 5-Year-Olds 1. Why does my 5 year old poop in his pants? Soiling usually happens when a child is so constipated that a large, hard piece of poo becomes stuck at the end of their gut (rectum). Still, when it does happen, the child is usually trying to get attention due to some type of psychological stress. They have a problem with their bowels that dulls the normal urge to go to the bathroom. May 21, 2025 · When a child is over the age of four and has consistent bowel movements anywhere other than the toilet, they may have encopresis. I've tried talking to him and getting on his level to understand how he is feeling and all he does is says he doesn't know why he does it. A parent once brought up this common potty-training issue to me: “My 3 1/2 year old son will urinate in the toilet but will not poop. This stress can be minor and temporary, like when your child is exhausted or distracted by playing. Frequently Asked Questions Why does my 4-year-old poop in pants on purpose? When a 4-year-old poops in their pants deliberately, it often signals emotional distress or a need for control. I have 2 older children and none of them did this. Pretty much daily, she began to have marks in her knickers (like skiddies!) Also at around the same time, she became constipated, and was only going to the toilet every three or four days (or possibly longer). Many times what parents consider "regression" is just a sign that a child wasn't actually trained. Problems with daytime wetting or bedwetting, called enuresis. Some suggestions for helping 5 year old suffering from fecal retention and encopresis. He had pooped his pants a few times and stated it was an accident and this was treated as such until it became a frequent thing. The color of a child’s stools can indicate a health problem, but what about size, as in…gigantic? “In general, large stools are nothing to worry about,” says Joel Gator Warsh, MD, of Integrative Pediatrics and Autism and Pooping In Pants When you read the title of this post “Autism and Pooping in Pants”, you may not immediately consider that what we are really talking about is a fear some Autistic children experience regarding pooping in the toilet. Jul 22, 2020 · Do children wet their pants for attention? Many parents wonder if their once potty-trained kids are deliberately wetting their pants during the daytime. The most common cause of this disorder is chronic constipation, as kids tend to avoid going to the bathroom when constipated. It occurs among toilet-trained children aged 4 years and Jan 6, 2020 · Why am I pooping in my pants? January 6, 2020 Author Table of Contents [hide] 1 Why am I pooping in my pants? 2 Is it normal to fart and poop your pants? 3 Why did I poop my pants without knowing? 4 Why would a 14 year old poop his pants? 5 Why does my 7 year old poop in his pants? 6 Is it okay to sit down when you poop in pants? Dec 20, 2019 · Admin Table of Contents [hide] 1 Why does my 8 year old keep pooping on himself? 2 How do I know if my child has encopresis? 3 Why would a 9 year old poop his pants? 4 What to do if your child is holding their poop? 5 Can anxiety cause Encopresis? 6 What should I do if my 8 year old has a crush? 7 How to support your 8-10 year old child? Learn all about how to get a toddler to poop on the potty. "The late stages of potty training, when occasional accidents are likely to happen, may look like regression to some," she explains. May 26, 2025 · Fecal smearing in autism is not uncommon. The leakage is caused by the backup of dry, hard poop (constipation). Dec 30, 2020 · A child must be old enough to be toilet trained, meaning 5 years old or older for enuresis and 4 years old or older for encopresis. It happens. Encopresis has been estimated to occur in approximately 4 percent of 4-year-olds and 1. First, let him know that his pants are dirty and that he needs to take care of himself. So they can’t control the accidents that usually follow. He had occasional accidents but nothing major in the following year. But there are things you can do to help toddlers avoid pooping their pants. Feb 20, 2012 · My nearly 6yr old keeps pooping in her pants. Encopresis, or having bowel movements in their underclothes, is very common in children, Learn about causes, diagnosis, treatment and how to help your child. Aug 18, 2023 · Is your potty-trained child suddenly having accidents? Find out why potty training regression happens and how to avoid it. Learn the causes, strategies, and support options to help your child and reduce this behavior. Sep 10, 2020 · Prevent Soiled Pants by Teaching your Child About Healthy Bowel Movements You’re sitting with your six-year-old son among a group of friends. Most kids will leave some skid marks when they are learning to wipe their bottom, but if there is… Find out the reasons why poo withholding happens and how to help your child overcome this stressful cycle of behaviour. We'll discuss the most common symptoms & when you should talk with a doctor. Find out why it happens and what to do about it. He has an amazing personality. why does my 9-year-old poop in his pants 3 to 4 times a day. This behavior is usually a way for the child to communicate feelings they can’t express verbally, such as anxiety, frustration, or seeking attention. Some children are afraid or anxious about pooping, so they try to hold it. It is a very real fear experienced by many children across the globe and in particular by some Autistic children. Jun 16, 2023 · Faecal incontinence is when children who are 4 years old or older can’t control when and where they do a poo. Aug 25, 2025 · Encopresis occurs when your toilet-trained child starts pooping anywhere other than the toilet. Constipation with dry, hard stool. Lack of appetite. Up to 20% of 4-‐6 year olds wet their pants occasionally and 5% wet twice or more per week. Is there anything to help speed his toilet training along?” 3 1/2 — isn’t that a bit old for this? Actually, no. It may have physical and psychological causes. However, we are REALLY struggling with poop. In Apr 27, 2023 · What To Do If Your 4 Year Old Poops In Pants and Doesn’t Care? If your 4-year-old child is regularly soiling their underwear and doesn’t seem to care about it, it can be a frustrating and challenging situation for both you and your child. Children younger than this probably just need more time to learn. We have tried everything we can think of, reward systems, punishment, gentle reminders, scheduling time to potty etc. Read about common causes, symptoms, tests and treatment. Read about soiling, which is when a child regularly poos their pants. It can start when a child does not have regular bowel movements and the stool becomes thick and hard to pass (constipation). Aug 7, 2024 · Encopresis (or soiling) is a disorder in which a child over the age of four repeatedly poops in places other than the toilet, like their underwear or the floor. She has taken Miralax for years for encopresis, and has done the ''sitting'' thing and all the other recommended stuff, yet the problem persists. He has been working on potty training for sometime now and I understand there will be b Jan 29, 2022 · Why does a 9-year-old insist he doesn’t need to pee when he shows obvious signs? Why do kids lie about having accidents? I know bedwetting distresses my teenage son, but when I ask why he doesn’t follow through on his treatment, he just shrugs. Some children with encopresis have problems with normal pooping, like constipation. I understand the frustration! Nov 12, 2020 · Why would a 12 year old poop his pants on purpose? But many kids beyond the age of toilet teaching (generally older than 4 years) who soil their underwear have a condition known as encopresis (en-kah-PREE-sis). He was potty trained shortly after turning 4. There are many reasons why poop accidents may be happening more frequently than they used to or past the typical age a child would experience these problems. This behavior, known as stool withholding, can be frustrating and worrisome for both the child and their parents. This has been an ongoing problem (along with bedwetting and on and off daytime pee accidents) since he was 4. In either case, not pooping for a long time makes it so the child can’t Jul 23, 2023 · Is it normal for a 7-year-old or an 8-year-old child to poop in his pants? While it’s less common for older children to soil their pants, it’s not unheard of, particularly in situations of stress or if there’s an underlying medical or psychological issue. We have noticed that he is reluctant to stop whatever he is doing to go to the bathroom. Sep 19, 2023 · Still, you need to take a breath and understand why your toddler is having pooping pants episodes and how to handle the situation. Then, the colon can't easily push the hard poop out, and it's painful to pass. He was unable to respond to me, its like he forgot how to talk. My mother suggests he may simply not be paying attention until Update a bunch of months later: My wife and I are now at the end of our ropes. This is where poop is stored before leaving through the anus. Are There Medical Conditions That Make a 5-Year-Old Poop His Pants? Certain medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, or infections can disrupt normal bowel habits. Jan 15, 2020 · Why does my 9 year old poop his pants on purpose? But many kids beyond the age of toilet teaching (generally older than 4 years) who soil their underwear have a condition known as encopresis (en-kah-PREE-sis). Learn more about the causes and treatment. There are many reasons for this. Mar 8, 2008 · All blog posts Potty Training - Poop & Pee Issues Still Pooping Pants at 8 Years Old March 8, 2008 Tags: health, passive power, power struggles, school aged (7-12) Customer: My 9 year old son is pooping his pants and also is peeing in the corner of his bedroom Doctor's Assistant: What are your son's symptoms? Has he used any medication for this? Customer: He keeps pooping in his underwear almost every single day. An evidence-based guide to common potty training problems, including child anxieties, resistance, refusals to defecate, accidents, and more. Avoidance of bowel movements. In short, he takes the world by his terms. Jan 31, 2021 · My 9-year-old daughter continues to struggle with encopresis and night-time bedwetting (actually, she is still in pull-ups at night and always has been). Jan 31, 2013 · My daughter (five year old) suffered from this earlier this year for several months. When kids hold in their poop, it can get backed up into the colon and create blockage and nerve damage. Feb 1, 2018 · Why does potty training regression happen? Accidents can happen when a child is stressed. I'm shocked that it doesn't seem to bother her! She is always May 16, 2025 · Additionally, communication barriers often complicate matters; children may struggle with autism and pooping in pants, making it difficult for them to express discomfort or the need to relieve themselves, which can lead to accidents and frustration. . Apr 30, 2024 · A child intentionally urinating on floor is very frustrating for parents. You’re embarrassed for your child, your friends and your self. My six, almost 7, year old son poops his pants daily. A child may be nervous about using the toilet (especially in public places, such as school How in the world do I stop my 5-year-old child from pulling his pants down on the playground?? I don't want this inappropriate behavior to continue in kindergarten. However, it is about 50/50 on whether my step son will use the bathroom, or poop in his pants. Jun 16, 2023 · About 1 in 10 children who are 5-6 years old wet themselves during the day. Diurnal enuresis (daytime wetting) is accidental wetting/peeing during the day. As the title says my son who will be 5 at the beginning of April is pooping his pants and we don't know why. The lower colon and rectum may become stretched out. Oct 16, 2025 · Understanding Accidents at School Accidents at school are a common occurrence, especially among young children. Jan 2, 2025 · Question My 10-year-old son won't stop pooping his pants. These accidents can be embarrassing for the child and frustrating for the parents and teachers. So, before we tell you how you can respond to your 5-year-old in such a situation, let’s first try to understand why this might be happening. 6 percent of 10-year-old children, affecting boys three to six times more often than girls. Jun 21, 2021 · Help! My kid's hands are in his pants during inappropriate times. This applies to the first few days, weeks, and even months after "training," Hoskins says. Jun 28, 2017 · My son is 3 years and 9 months old. What Is Encopresis? Encopresis is the medical term for pooping accidents in a person's underwear beyond the age of toilet training. 3 1/2-year-olds have better things to do than poop. Dec 23, 2018 · Faecal incontinence or soiling (also called encopresis), is the involuntary repeated passing of stool into clothing. This has ALWAYS been an issue, but has gotten somewhat better as he does go to the bathroom sometimes. He seemed to master potty training at the usual age, so this is something of a surprise to us. I have found dirty underwear and poop on the bathroom floor–and it just concerns me that he is unaware of it. I’m currently going through similar issues with my 5 year old boy too, he pees on the toilet fine and sometimes does poo in the toilet too, but most the time it’s in his undies. ” If your child’s daytime accidents last for more than two days or occur in conjunction with any other symptoms, arrange a prompt appointment with her pediatrician to rule out potentially serious issues. He still does not poop on the toilet. This is called encopresis. Encopresis is also called fecal incontinence. Here are the 6 main reasons why it happens and what to do. Encopresis, more commonly known as soiling, is a disorder where a child, age four or older, consistently poops in inappropriate places. This means that they regularly do poos in places other than the toilet, most often in their underwear. ?: Time for consult: I would have him seen by his PCP and evaluated for c Should you worry if your child’s poop is the size of a baseball? Sometimes the huge size of a child’s bowel movements has their parents worrying that something is wrong. Apr 27, 2020 · Three Reasons Your Kiddo Might Suddenly Start Having Accidents, Regress in Their Potty Learning, or Start Resisting Using the Bathroom. Nov 29, 2019 · Why is my 5 year old still pooping his pants? But many kids beyond the age of toilet teaching (generally older than 4 years) who soil their underwear have a condition known as encopresis (en-kah-PREE-sis). Stool withholding can occur for a variety of reasons, including fear, anxiety, or discomfort. He has gone poop on the potty before and had no problems he even had a How common is it? Most children are potty-‐trained by 5 years of age. she has been pooping in her pants for the last four days ,it's so confusing ,and i've been locking her in her room for about a minute after what she does ,but she keeps doing it ! Frequently Asked Questions Why Is My 6-Year-Old Pooping His Pants Despite Toilet Training? Even after toilet training, a 6-year-old may poop his pants due to stress, emotional changes, or developmental delays. Traylor says she does not see intentional wetting among patients too often. Mar 18, 2022 · What causes encopresis and how to treat this medical condition that causes your older kid to accidentally poop their pants. Learn why your potty trained child may suddenly start having accidents and how to help her get back on track. We explain the the causes of soiling (or encopresis) and how to stop it happening. It is not uncommon for a 5-year-old child attending preschool or kindergarten to have accidents at school. Sometimes urinary incontinence happens because children have overactive bladders. Why does it occur? • Overactive bladder is the most common cause of daytime wetting in children. What should I do? Encopresis is one of the more frustrating disorders of middle childhood. It’s equal parts gross and frustrating — but help is available. In most children, encopresis is related to chronic constipation. Jun 26, 2013 · Kathy wrote about her son: “What can cause a 9-year-old boy to poop in his pants occasionally and not feel it? He was completely potty trained at age three. Autistic Child Will Only Poop in A HELP NEEDED | 11-Year Old Son Still Poops His Pants I would like to preface this post by stating that this is NOT a new issue. Mar 27, 2020 · Encopresis causes soiling of the underwear as a result of chronic constipation. If your child was "potty trained" a month ago and now having accidents But don’t worry, there are many toddler withholding poop solutions that you can try with your child. Eating foods high in fiber The large poop also stretches out the colon, weakening the muscles there and affecting the nerves that tell a child when it's time to go to the bathroom. Your child either doesn’t know, doesn’t care, or represses his May 16, 2018 · Encopresis is when a child over the age of 4 has a bowel movement and soils their pants. These issues may cause diarrhea or urgency that a child cannot control, leading to accidents despite toilet training. Regression can happen when a child faces anxiety or family disruptions, causing temporary setbacks in toileting habits. Understand why your tot is refusing to poop and get tips on how to help. Passage of large stool that clogs or almost clogs the toilet. I am at my wits end over this. Just like the title says, my 8 year old continues to shit himself every time he is here. Overview Sometimes a child who seems to be toilet-trained leaks runny stool into their pants. Sep 2, 2025 · Leaky butt is also known as fecal incontinence. Learn about constipation and smearing in children and teenagers. Jun 28, 2022 · Bowel & digestive problems in children can come from a wide variety of conditions. It has been suggested at checkups that he may be constipated. When children experience big changes and stressors in their lives, such as introducing a new sibling, moving to a new home, transitioning to a new school or da May 25, 2022 · Emotional causes of bathroom-related problems are among the most challenging to address, since young children are rarely able to express their confusion, anxiety, or fear in words. Suddenly the air is not so fresh. To have encopresis, the child must be at least 4 years old, the age by which most children can control bowel movements. 5 percent of young school children, with boys outnumbering girls by a ratio of six to one. Shortly after turning 5 he started to have more frequent accidents. Sep 19, 2025 · Symptoms of encopresis may include: Leakage of stool or liquid stool on underwear, which can be mistaken for diarrhea. This has been an issue for about 4 years now, with a zero accident stint of at least 6 months last year. Nov 21, 2015 · Fecal soiling, referred to medically as encopresis in children over four years of age, affects about 1. Jun 21, 2018 · Does your child have problems with pooping accidents? Is your child old enough to know better than to soil their underwear? Your child most likely has encopresis. Not wanting to poop in the toilet is a very My son is six years old and has a problem controlling his bowel movements. What is “poop withholding”? This condition is most common among children between the ages of 2-4 years old, but poop withholding has the potential to affect babies and school-age kids, often triggered by an episode of painful constipation. Dec 17, 2020 · If your potty-trained child starts having accidents, it’s worth a trip to the pediatrician. We put a pull-up on him and THEN he goes. Dec 28, 2022 · "My ADHD child poops pants regularly, but I don't know why. He has used a stool softener before but has never been to the doctor for this issue. Not wanting to poop in the toilet is a very A parent once brought up this common potty-training issue to me: “My 3 1/2 year old son will urinate in the toilet but will not poop. Nothing has changed in our house or lives so I dont know what's going on. If your 5 year old is soiling his pants, there are a few things you can do to get him to the bathroom. Soiling is not caused by laziness or naughtiness. mkl 6hzgzw dql7t ece5rc xn 89 afjg utt8 mhqbnxl 7l