How to Parent a Child with Encopresis

Encopresis is the involuntary passing of stool into underwear after a child has already been toilet trained. It can be very frustrating for both the child and the parent for a child to keep having stool accidents long after most other children have been toilet trained. However, encopresis is a condition that can be managed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laxative
• Lots of extra clothes for your child
• Patience

1. Speak to your child's pediatrician and determine that encopresis is the correct diagnosis for your child.

2. Follow your pediatrician's recommended treatment. Many doctors recommend a combination of a laxative and regular toilet sitting. Toilet sitting is often most effective shortly after a meal and some parents find that sitting after breakfast and dinner is helpful. Make toilet sitting time fun with a book or game.

3. Stay patient and positive. Your child is not soiling on purpose and is likely as upset by it as you are. Reward good toileting and calmly clean up any accidents without emotion.

4. Talk to your child's teachers and other caregivers. Make sure that they understand that your child has a medical condition and is not being lazy or defiant. Also, ensure that you and all of your child's other caregivers have a consistent approach for dealing with the condition.

5. It is important that you prevent your child from getting constipated even after the condition seems to be resolved.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient and remember that you are not alone in this.
• Consider joining an online group for parents of children with encopresis. They often have good ideas on how to help your child and can offer support to the parents.
• Be aware of your child's feelings. If your child has an accident at school then figure out if the other children were aware of it and whether your child suffered any teasing.

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