Understanding and Addressing Behavioral Potty Accidents in 5-Year-Olds
QuestionMy 5-year-old daughter is inconsistantly having "accidents." These potty incidents are not accidents. She can stay dry; she chooses not to. She almost seems to enjoy the bad attention she receives when she dribbles in her pants (never a full gush.) We've tried ignoring the behavior, punishing, rewarding dry days / weeks, but nothing has worked. There have not been any signifigant life changes in our household. I had her examined via ultrasound to make sure all is well - she is perfectly healthy. Today she was angry with me for?, and tired, and pooped on the bathroom floor! Obvisely, this is getting worse, and I am just at a loss as to what I should do. What can you suggest to modify this behavior? Help, please!
AnswerOf course she can be different, but this is usually a maternal child conflict disorder and my patients have done very well after mother child counseling by a peds psychologist with expertise in this area. Call your regional pediatric hospital to locate the correct psychologist.