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Understanding and Addressing Behavioral Potty Accidents in 5-Year-Olds


Question
My 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!  

Answer
Of 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.