Recently in the past few weeks my two yr old son has been stripping his clothes off and pooping on his bed, and then coming to tell me. He even goes as far as to remove all of his blankets and pillows before he does so. Sometimes he even plays in it, smearing it on the walls where he can reach. why is he doing this? I'm going crazy trying to break this cycle but nothing is working. please help!
I feel for you.
I have heard of parents putting diapers on their kids backwards so they can't get them off as easily--is he still in diapers? You could try it.
Hi J.,
There is a new field dealing with behavioral issues and mental health in infant and toddler. J. Robers Miller, M.S., LPC conducts seminars on these issues.
the web site is: www.janesvillepsych.com/therapists.html
I hope this helps. If not, a local children's hospital may be able to help. You.
Good luck. D.
Oh my, I remember those days :o and how frustrating it was when people told me "it's a phase" and "it will pass" . . . Looking back now, I think they were right. My guys didn't ever get into the 'art' aspect of things, but they certainly stripped and soiled . . . We got to the point where we duct-taped them into their diapers (after trying every conceivable way to seal them into their PJs), snug enough that they couldn't yank them down over their hips . . .
Perhaps another approach is to give him more frequent opportunities to create in a more suitable environment -- finger paints, play-dough, or chalk -- but I'm just guessing at that one . . .
Eek. OK, stay cool, stay calm, do not get angry, but do discipline this. It doesn't matter why he's doing it. He should be taught in no uncertain terms it is not allowed by having a clear consequence while you are not angry and have explained, and then also he should help clean it. Just helping clean it isn't enough since cleaning and helping mom (which I'm sure he cant' do it a lone) are positive things, He needs a consequence he wants to avoid as well.
Watch him closely, because it will be good to catch him in the act if possible, but if you only find it after the fact, then act then. When he shows you, or you find it, use a calm, firm swift, "Oh, you did that? Now this will happen" tone, and implement your most effective discipline method. Explain AGAIN why it's not allowed and what he's supposed to do, and move on, no grudges. Do it again the next time. Do not EVER let him skate with a reprimand and no consequence on this.
Don't attach any special significance to it at this point. Just treat it like something that is NOT allowed, because it isn't. Be consistent. Good luck!
This would absolutely not be considered ANY sort of mental illness. This is simply a 2 year old figuring out he can do something he thinks is pretty cool! :) Trust me, yours is not the first nor the last to play with his poop. My youngest brother used to try and take his diaper off all the time so he could poop on the floor (or the beach, or wherever else he wanted to try!), and he is now a college educated 21 year old who tunred out just fine! :)
Tell your ped, I bet he or she will tell you those dreaded words no mommy wants to hear: "It's a phase, and he will grow out of it". ARGH! Just be sure to tell him consistently that this is not allowed, it's yucky and not good for him. I think trying to make him help clean up may just make a bigger mess, plus little ones shouldn't touch poop any more than they already have in this situation. A time out may be a better solution for you.
However you decide to handle this WONDERFUL time in your little guy's development, please do not worry about any MH issues. Show me a 2 year old who WOULDN'T play with his poop if given the chance and I would be shocked! :)
J.,
have you ever look into baby center? I signed up when I was pregnant, entered the girls birthdate and I get monthly updates. Anyway, I just looked up your situation. A lot of comments like yours. Not sure I agree with some of the answers but look into it and you'll at least see youre not alone.
http://www.babycenter.com/400_how-do-i-stop-my-toddler-fr...
that does sound strange is he potty trained or still in a diaper, maybe tell him if he has to poop to go on the potty,offer a tiny reward ONLY if he goes in the toilet. my pediatrician is a great dr but doesn't play games he would say get a bucket and make him clean it up cause if you clean it then he'll continue to do it. just a thought everthing goes in phases with kids Jen biting, peeing the bed etc don't worry this too will pass. He's only 2 put a potty chair in his room maybe. good luck M. c
I have read through all the response so I don't want to repeat, I agree with a firm consequence whenever it happens. My other suggestions are to avoid the situation as best as possible, a gate at his bedroom doorway so he can't get in there. If he prefers the bed and he can't get to it maybe he won't do it. Maybe it's time to start potty training too... Yikes, thank GOD mine didn't do this (yet at least!!!)
THis is totally normal, if unpleasant. No need to worry about a mental illness, for goodness sakes!
I would try not to give him too much attention for it, just matter of factly expect him to help clean up. Maybe get him the "everybody poops" book so he can see that humans poop in the toilet, or a diaper.
We're starting to get my daughter ready for potty training, and we found this very silly song that talks all about where poop goes ("poop in the potty") and where it doesn't go ("not on your arm, not on your leg, not in the toast, not in the eggs....") My daughter things its pretty funny, and she'll go around singing ("poop ta ta poop ta ta" aka "poop in the potty").
Maybe a silly song will help to teach him where it goes? You can buy it for $.99 on itunes or amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Poopsmith-Song/dp/B000XKOVDE
It's called the Poopsmith Song by Over the Rhine
