Over the last 12 months or so (it's been on and off)I have caught my son with his hand down his pants and eating poo. He doesn't poo in his pants but puts his finger up his bum.
I thought he'd stopped but caught him just yesterday doing it again.
Note: it's not every single day. He may do it for a few days then stop then a few months later he'll start again.
He does it while doing other activities too so it's definitely not a boredom thing.
He knows it's wrong as he gets upset when we tell him it's wrong/disgusting and to stop it. We try to not get angry or yell about it as I know that will make things worse.
I've tried small punishments (no tv, etc) but it doesn't stop him.
He won't tell me why he does it, he gets quite shy about it.
He has no development issues besides a slight lisp and articulation problems which we are seeing some one for. He never played with his poo as a baby or toddler either.
He is very small for his age though, height and weight wise but that is a common thing in boys from both sides of the family.
I'm going to see my GP for a referral To a child psychologist or something, just hoping to hear from mothers who've had the same issue and what you've done
5 Replies
At that age go see a paediatrician! That is big red flags
At that age go see a paediatrician! That is big red flags
12 months ago, did you guys go through any major upheavals?
Like changing schools, moving house, separation, family death, loss of a pet, those kind of things?
My daughter exhibited quite a few undesirable toileting issues for lack of a better word, due to anxiety.
I know this can also be common behaviour of those on the spectrum.
Could it possibly be a physical problem, worms, pain or itching in his bottom for example?
Not to alarm you with this next question, could he have been sexually abused or been touched in this spot in an innapropriate way?
I think it'd be best to wait and get some professional advice, in the meantime maybe you could just use distractions (think fidget toys, something else to chew on to replace the unsanitary oral fixation he currently has) and positive reinforcement and rewards.
He did start kindergarten this year but besides that not much else has changed.
He did have a few cases of worms early in the year so could possibly be linked in a sense.
He hasn't been abused but thank you, I was a child victim so I've already had lots of talks with the kids about it all.
On a different spin, (as a naturopath who specialises in immune health) I'd say nothing wrong psychologically. It has been proven children children who pick their nose have a less diverse microbiome...ie good gut bacteria. I'd be thinking along those lines and take him to a good naturopath. Does he have poor digestion or immunity? Get a good quality probiotic like bioceuticals first.