I wonder if it is possible that JBR wasn’t really fully toilet trained at all and maybe that also could explain the bed wetting and fecal incontinence?
In Thomas’ book the housekeeper Hoffman mentions that after PR started receiving cancer treatment in 1993 both JBR and BR regressed in terms of their habits when it came to cleaning up after themselves, practicing proper hygiene and using the bathroom. Also, IIRC, she stated PR had started potty training JBR when she was around 3 years old. If true, that would likely mean JBR started to receive toilet training in the same year as her mother’s diagnosis and treatment started. Perhaps, understandably, JBR’s potty training was disrupted as PR battled her cancer? Perhaps that and/or any stress or emotional turmoil caused by witnessing her beloved mother suffer is what led to JBR eventually return to wearing pampers, being unable to wipe after herself or soiling her bed and/or clothes?
According to Child Mind Institute, encopresis could be caused by constipation, abdominal disorders, emotional or mental distress or trauma, lack of toilet training and sexual abuse. In the case that one’s childen’s experience this, parents and/or should always refer to their doctor and in the case that JBR’s condition was caused by lack of training or education parents can intervene multiple ways by encouraging behavior changes. For example, they can make sure to regularly follow a schedule for when a child will go to the bathroom throughout the day, making sure they get the chance before they go to bed, keeping them hydrated and demonstrating proper washing and wiping habits.
Of course I am not trying to point the fingers or accuse anyone for being negligent or such. It is possible, for example, that even after achieving remission in 1994, that PR was still healing and coming to terms with what she experienced as she received cancer treatment and underwent surgery due to complications caused by a previous procedure. Perhaps PR just needed time to adjust but still always intended to teach and train JBR and her brother on better bathroom and hygiene habits. Perhaps she just still felt overwhelmed and unfortunately could depend on JR to get involved or help with that responsibility at all since it appears he thought taking care of the children was PR’a job.
Get free tips on helping children with encopresis. Encopresis (or soiling) is a disorder in which a child over the age of four repeatedly poops in places other than the toilet, like their clothes or the floor.
childmind.org
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