Seriously, I'm at my wits end with my 4.5 year old daughter.
I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant with number 3. My daughter who has been toilet trained for ages, has decided to start pooping and peeing in her bedroom. She doesn't have accidents in her underwear, she takes them off, does her business, puts her underwear back on and goes on with her day! She only does this at home!!
Now, I'm well aware that this regression is more than likely about the impending arrival of a younger sibling, but being hormonal, with severe morning sickness, I'm struggling to deal with this! I've tried talking with her about the new baby, reassured her that I will still love her just as much, etc but she is still doing this!! It's been happening for a couple of months and I'm so tempted to just take everything out of her bedroom that isn't her bed, but I know that dealing with this in a negative way will probably make it worse. I'm in tears daily because of this as I literally have no idea how to stop this from happening!
Does anyone have any advice or tips/tricks? I'm not putting her back into nappies, so please don't suggest that.
Thanks ladies.
3 Replies
Actually I'd lock her out of her room until bed time. Sorry but often just not allowing them access to the space will change it. Yes she is throwing a tantrum, but she is 4 and well old enough to know that her behaviour has consequences.
On the flip side, I'd also praise her for not doing it and praise her for what she is doing right. But allowing her access to her room so she can poop in it sounds counterintuitive. Tell her that having privacy in her bedroom is a privilege, not a right and she can earn free access to her bedroom by going to the toilet.
I know its hella frustrating, but its become a habit for her now so im sure she also finds its hard to stop doing it.
Just keep going with what you are doing, it will take time (just like toilet training) but she will come good again.
Check with her regulary if she needs to go, offer to take her or even bribe her with a kinder surprise or something if she goes on the toilet. And also talk casually and nicely about how we dont poop in our rooms and we use the toilet etc.
Also could something have scared her about the loo? Does she seem reluctant to go in there for a wee? Maybe a child size toilet seat would help? (If u dont already have one)
Does she find it hard or painful to poop sitting down, and maybe finds it easier to poop squatting or standing. If thats the case let her know she can squat/stand/ whatever on the toilet.
I would keep her in sight too. Or put a potty in the bedroom and show her how to clean it up (of course within reason) which might deter her if she has to go through the whole toilet, wipe, flush, wash hands rigmarol anyway. And start rewards for using toilet at the same time and she might decide thats a better option.