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Stool Withholding in Children

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Stool Withholding in Children

Posted by Cheryl [180.199] on April 14, 2004 at 02:19:09:

My son, who is now 10, has been withholding stool for a few years now. I think it's more of a control thing than anything. The only problem now is that when he finally goes, it's a challenge for the plumbing. I'm sure this isn't a normal thing for children his age - is there anything I can do to stop this cycle he is in? He denies having a problem.



Re: Stool Withholding in Children

Posted by ANN [1077.516] on April 14, 2004 at 04:48:42:

In Reply to: Stool Withholding in Children posted by Cheryl [180.199] on April 14, 2004 at 02:19:09:

is he skinny?Is he pale?

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Re: Stool Withholding in Children (Archive.)

Posted by Walt Stoll [9.8] on April 15, 2004 at 07:43:38:

In Reply to: Stool Withholding in Children posted by Cheryl [180.199] on April 14, 2004 at 02:19:09:

Hi, Cheryl.

He has to become aware that this habit (not going at the first sign of needing to have a bowel movement) will soon permanently damage his colon (look up megacolon). Once you are certain that he knows that he is creating a permanent problem for himself that will require major surgery to seve his life, your next step is to teach him to unplug the toilet and make it HIS responsibility. If the toilet requires professional help he is responsible for the bill. He can pay it off with his allowance--however long it takes.

THEN, you should be sure that YOU no longer have no idea when he has a bowel movement.

This will be hard on you both but, if you stick to this it will not take long (6 months) The only reason it will take this long is that HE will have to learn to discipline himself and at this age it is like teenagers. Now comes the teenage years with much more difficult things to deal with.

Let us know how you do.

Walt

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