This can cause significant embarrassment for children who are sometimes bullied or made fun of and can be both frustrating and distressing for families to manage. We are here to help.
Poo accidents?
Bowel soiling most commonly occurs due to constipation, where a solid poo is stuck somewhere in your child's bowel and the softer stool pushes past this hard lump making their soiling grainy or clay-like. Soiling is not something your child can control, usually, they have lost all feeling and they truly cannot feel the accidents.
Signs and symptoms?
- Is your child refusing to sit on the toilet?
- Is your child too distracted/busy to go to the toilet?
- Has your child had an experience of painful poo so is anxious to pass a poo?
- Is your child having frequent accidents (soiling) without realising it?
- Does your child suffer from chronic constipation?
Contributing factors?
- Fear and anxiety around going to the toilet
- An experience of a painful poo
- Sensory changes meaning they cannot feel or identify the signs that they need to go
- They hold on due to not wanting to interrupt the activity that they are doing
- Poor diet and inadequate fluids don't help but they are NOT the main cause of this problem.
How you can help your child?
As for constipation, try some of these suggestions:
- Encourage your child to sit on the toilet regularly throughout the day for a few minutes after each meal
- Or, if your child soils on the way home from school - common - take them before you head home
- Give your child praise for sitting on the toilet, even if they don’t poo
- Use age-appropriate rewards, stickers, star charts or other options to reinforce good toilet habits
- Provide plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet for fibre and adequate water - if you can!
- Don't forget to speak to your pharmacist about stool softeners that are right for your child
How we can help?
Physiotherapy help with kids accidents (soiling or faecal incontinence)?
Our physiotherapists will assess your child and then provide an individualised treatments plan that may include:
- Using real-time Ultrasound to assess your child's bowel
- Teaching you how to identify if your child is getting backed up or bloated
- Use play and activities with your child to teach them how to effectively sit on the toilet and push
- Working together to optimise your bathroom/toilet set-up for those who refuse to go into the toilet
- Working with children who have sensory triggers which may make toileting more difficult and toilet refusal a trauma for all
- Toilet training advice, for those embarking on the process of toilet training your child
- Whilst soiling for your child can be stressful for the whole family is it usually something that is very simple to fix
Related Blogs
Potty Training Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All Toilet training is a significant milestone for children and their families. However, for neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, this journey can present unique challenges. Understanding the Challenges Neurodivergent children may face several obstacles during toilet training: Sensory Sensitivities: Discomfort with the feel of toilet paper, coldness , the sound of flushing or poo/ wee hitting the water, or the brightness of bathroom lighting. Communication Differences: Challenges in expressing the need to use the toilet or recognising bodily cues can lead to accidents Routine Resistance: A preference for sameness and resistance to change can make adapting to new routines difficult. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like constipation or diarrhea can complicate the process and cause discomfort and withholding. Strategies for Success Implementing tailored strategies can make toilet training more manageable: Visual Schedules: Use clear, step-by-step visual aids or routine boards to outline the toileting process, helping children understand expectations Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small successes with praise or rewards to encourage continued progress. Instead of giving a reward each time a step is completed, agree on a certain number of ticks or stickers needed to get the reward. Rewards can be toys, food, family time or praise; make it meaningful for your child! Sensory-Friendly Environments: Modify the bathroom setting to reduce sensory overload, such as using soft lighting, noise-cancelling headphones or a heater. Consistent Routines: Establish regular toileting times to build predictability and reduce anxiety. Professional Support: Engage with specialists, such as pelvic health physiotherapists, to address specific concerns and help you along this journey. You're Not Alone Remember, every child's journey is unique, and progress may be gradual. Patience, understanding, and tailored support are key to navigating the challenges of toilet training. If you need assistance or have concerns about your child's toileting journey so far, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards a positive and successful toileting experience.
Incontinence, intimacy pain and initial appointment all start with the letter I and are all related to pelvic health. How can we help?
Does your little one hide, reappearing with the smell of poo in their nappy or pants?
Do you have to wipe multiple times to get your bum clean?
Our team
More Information
Find out more information
