Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Smearing of Fecal Material
DESCRIPTION
A child in diapers smears pieces of bowel movement in places
such as the bed, walls, or bathroom. Rather than being
deliberate to offend the parents, this behavior usually
arises from a chance discovery. A bored child, perhaps one
who is left in bed too long, discovers bowel movement in his
diaper and decides to paint with it. Unlike parents, a
child is not usually repulsed by the act of touching bowel
movements.
THE RULE
Tell your child the rule: "Don't get any poo-poo on your
bed or the walls. Poo-poo is messy. Poo-poo goes in the
toilet."
DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUE
Without yelling or showing anger make it clear to your child
that you do not approve of what he has done. Clean up your
child without any entertainment or conversation. Then clean
the room, with your child's help if possible.
Avoid any physical punishment. If you overrespond the first
few times your child does this, you may start a power
struggle. Your child may persistently smear bowel movements
to prove he has some power.
If you are toilet training your child, pressure him less
about his toilet performance.
PREVENTION
- Supervise your child more closely. Don't leave him alone
for more than 10 minutes at a time.
- When your child awakens from his nap, lift him out of bed
promptly. Leave toys in the bed to play with if he
awakens early.
- Put your child's diapers on tightly so he can't easily
get his hands inside.
PRAISE YOUR CHILD
Praise your child for telling you when his pants are full
and he needs to be changed.
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