The correct term for a child who regularly has poop pants is encopresis. Many parents ask me about this problem as it is distressing for them and for their child.

The most important thing is to try to relax about it. The more you are relaxed, the more your child will be relaxed, which is the first important step.

Whatever the reason for poop pants, try to understand that it is not your child's fault. Don't be cross with him, just get him clean as quickly as possible and move on.


There could be a number of different reasons for this problem occurring:

• In a similar way to peeing in pants, pooping pants can simply be a sign of laziness. Your daughter could be enjoying a game so much that she doesn't pay attention to the signals and is pooping her pants before she realises it's too late.

• Another possible reason could be recent disruption to the home. Have you recently moved house or had a baby? Any number of things can disrupt children's lives without us really being aware of it sometimes.

• Ask your child if it hurts when pooping. If this is the case it could explain why he holds off from going to the toilet. It is worth getting your child checked out by the doctor, just to make sure there is no infection.

• It could be that your child dislikes going to the toilet. Some children get scared in a room on their own.

• Sadly, some children who have been sexually abused also have this problem. If this is at all a possibility, you will need to get advice. Talk to your child's doctor in the first instance.

Introduce a behavior chart to encourage your child to think about this problem. Plan a special treat at the weekend that he can look forward to. Put a sticker on the chart every time he has a 'clean' day. If he has achieved the target you set him, he can have his treat at the end of the week. If not, there is no need to punish, just start again next week. Decide on an appropriate target. It is unlikely she will manage every single day, allow for some mishaps.

Some parents like their children to clean themselves after a pooped pants accident. There is nothing wrong with this as long as your child is old enough to cope with this. My advice is to get them to put their pants into a plastic bag then give them a bath.

Many children will have slightly soiled pants at the end of the day so a daily bath will always make sure that they are clean and not sore.

Remember, your child will grow out of this eventually, hopefully this advice will speed things up for you both.

Return from 'Poop pants' to 'Toilet problems'.

Return to Homepage.