Introduction
Have you ever noticed your child getting frustrated because they're unable to climb over that tall step at the park? Or maybe you've seen them running around the house with their clothes slightly cleaner on one side versus the other. In this article, we'll explore the science behind why children, and sometimes even adults, find it necessary to defecate on walls. We'll also discuss the potential causes of this behavior.
Why Kids Poop on Walls
The act of defecating on walls, particularly in public spaces, is commonly referred to as 'pooping on walls'. However, it's important to note that this is not the same as defecating outdoors where waste can potentially cause environmental contamination. In this article, we'll focus on the instances when defecation occurs within a domesticated environment and why it happens.
Communication
Perhaps one of the most common reasons for defecating on walls, particularly among children, is communication. Just like adults use visual cues and verbal language to express their needs, children use their粪便. For some children, having a bowel movement is a highly personal experience, and they may feel the urge to defecate and choose to relieve themselves on a private or secure surface. The act of spreading your feces on a wall allows them to control the situation and potentially feel a sense of accomplishment once completed.
Pain Relief
Another reason children may defecate on walls is in response to discomfort caused by constipation or hard stool. When a child experiences bloating, abdominal cramps, or pain when trying to defecate, they might relief that discomfort by defecating on a wall. This may seem like an unusual method for relieving pain, but for some children, it's a practical solution.
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children may also engage in this behavior because they are curious about their own bodies and the world around them. They may explore their own waste product and how it appears after being deposited on various surfaces. By spreading their feces on walls, children may gain a sense of intimacy and familiarity. Furthermore, if they see others defecating on walls, they may imitate this behavior to seek attention or social acceptance.
Environmental Factor
Defecating on walls can also be influenced by environmental factors. For example, if a child is in a public bathroom and the tiles are particularly dirty, they may contribute to cleaning by distributing their feces across the wall. Children who defecate on walls within public restrooms may be trying to leave their mark or communicate their cleanliness, suggesting that they are making an effort to keep the area tidy.
What Can Be Done to Prevent It?
While pooping on walls may appear to be a relatively minor behavior, it can sometimes be a sign of medical issues or discomfort due to constipation. If your child exhibits this behavior consistently, it's important to address the underlying cause.
Work Out Why It Happens in the First Place
The first step in addressing pooping on walls is to identify why it happens in the first place. Is it related to constipation, pain relief, curiosity, or environmental factors? Addressing the root cause will help prevent future instances of defecation on walls.
Use the Continence Assessment Form
Parents and caregivers can utilize the Continence Assessment Form to monitor their child's Bowel Health. If there is a suggestion of constipation, the Flowchart – Constipation can be employed to treat and prevent future occurrences. Knowing that feces is present in the nappy can also indicate that the child may be ready for toilet training.
Consider Toilet Training
Toileting training is another strategy that can help manage pooping on walls. For children with additional needs, using the Flowchart – Children with Additional Needs can assist in determining if they are ready for toilet training. By becoming aware of feces in the nappy, parents can infer that their child is ready to develop good toileting habits.
Think About How You Respond to Episodes of Pooping on Walls
When episodes of pooping on walls happen, it's crucial to remain calm and collected. If the child is excited by angry or distressed adult behavior, this may increase the chances that they will cease their behavior on their own. Parents and caregivers should respond to these events with positivity and avoid negative reinforcement.
Provide Alternative Sensitive Stimulation
To help keep children's hands busy, provide toys that they can use to relieve discomfort or boredom. Strongly scented halving hankies or half a lemon in the child's pocket can also provide sensory stimulation. This can help guide them to express their needs and comfort in a positive way.
By avoiding showering or bathing to clean up after pooping on walls, and calmly dealing with the smudged feces, parents and caregivers can help children accept their bodies and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, it's important to note that while some children may outgrow this behavior, others may continue to exhibit it into adulthood. With patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement, the ability to control defecation can be learned and maintained.
