If he didn't use the bathroom ALL DAY he is dehydrated and that exacerbates constipation. He is restricting water or needs to be given a schedule of water and toilet times if he cannot sense thirst or bladder

Anonymous wrote:I taught K for 22 years (moved to admin but still in education) and its VERY rare that a Ker who struggles with this isnt also on the very immature side and could use a year if the birthday allows it. You dont want to hear it but I would bet my pension that this isnt the only arena where he isnt behind in peers. And I am not talking about academics. His body is literally NOT ready.

Sounds like you could benefit from watching "The Poo in You" video as well to understand the difference between "readiness" and a medical issue.

Another BTDT parent to say that it sounds like constipation. He won’t poop at school, his schedule is off. So do the protocol again - clean out over a weekend, then enough MiraLAX plus a routine to get him pooping daily.

And yes to big ziplock bags with extra clothes in case of an accident. My son kept an extra pair of underwear buried in his backpack until second grade, just in case.

Is this a one-off?

Definitely could be encropresis

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With your son, watch "The Poo in You" video
https://youtu.be/SgBj7Mc_4sc?si=qtyKMRKivsGpry7P

Agree that that this sounds like constipation, and that every few days is not enough. Also starting. k my kid got super constipated that first week.

Adding that you can take him to the pediatrician. Purs gave us a helpful sheet to explain how to use the Miralax and for how long.

The sheet will explain the protocol for a cleanout, which the OP should probably do but can wait for a weekend. That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep him on a lower dose for a while. It's super gentle. It does not cause cramping. It will keep the stool soft so that withholding isn't an option and passing stool is easier. You combine that with regular potty sitting efforts and bribes, and that creates a virtuous cycle.

Anonymous wrote:With your son, watch "The Poo in You" video
https://youtu.be/SgBj7Mc_4sc?si=qtyKMRKivsGpry7P

Agree that that this sounds like constipation, and that every few days is not enough. Also starting. k my kid got super constipated that first week.

Adding that you can take him to the pediatrician. Purs gave us a helpful sheet to explain how to use the Miralax and for how long.