• 4-year-old won't stop playing with his poop
• Two-year-old smearing poop on walls during naptime
• Two-year-old is playing with his poop!
• Related page: Toddlers taking their Diapers Off
• More Advice about Poop

4-year-old won't stop playing with his poop

I am in desperate need of help on how to get my 4 year old son to stop playing with his poop. For the last couple of weeks he has been using his poop to paint the walls, mirrors, carpet, etc. We have found pooped smeared into the carpet and in his bed. Even during his bath he pooped and put it into one of his play cups to play with. I've tried explaining to him why this is unacceptable and how it's dirty and poop belongs in the potty. We've tried time outs, but he is absolutely defiant when it comes to this and has started peeing in his pants when in time out even though he is potty trained. We've tried having him clean it up, but it doesn't seem to phase him at all how disgusting this all is. We are completely out of our minds with this and are wondering if there is something more to this and if we need professional intervention as well. pooped-out mom

I am an elementary teacher, and we would occasionally see that a young student (ie kindergarten or first grader) was doing this because there would be a mess in the bathrooms. Whenever it was brought to the attention of the school counselor, he said that it happens very frequently in children who are being sexually abused and to take it seriously. Do you trust all the people your son comes into contact with?

Maybe it's nothing...I'm no expert...and I know some young toddlers do it...but I have a four year old and I can't imagine him wanting to do this. I would ask your pediatrician as soon as you can. Good luck to you... Oakland Mom

Two-year-old smearing poop on walls during naptime

A friend is dealing with a two-year-old who does this every single time she goes down for a nap or to sleep. I've recommended duct tape and a star chart. She won't tolerate being put to bed in full body pjs (screams bloody murder - not that that would stop me, but then I'm mean.). Clearly this is something she really really likes doing. Any advice? Ayelet

Two-year-old is playing with his poop!

My 26 month old son has recently picked up a new habit - he plays with his poop! Almost every day he'll hide somewhere, reach into his diaper and start playing. Sometimes he just squishes it in his hands, but other times, like when he is in bed, he smeatrs himself with poop from head to toe. How long does this behaviour usually last and is there anything I can do to curb it? jen