My almost 5 year old is peeing in odd places

[lachingona1]

DD who will be 5 in October has been peeing on the floor, in her car seat, the bed, in her pants and in a bucket for about 2 weeks now. She even pooped in a bag and left it in her room. I am not sure why she is doing this. When I ask her she says she didn't realize she had peed, or she couldn't make it to the potty in time.

We had a death in the family, my Dad had a stroke in the car and she was there. She also witnessed him dying in the hospital, and he couldn't talk anymore due to the stroke. She has asked so many questions about what happened and why.

I also had a baby 8 weeks ago and DH thinks it could also be because of that.

How should I handle this situation? Any opinions?

[joanq]

I don't have any specific information about your situation, but it sounds like it could be a response to the trauma of seeing your father have a stroke and then pass, which would be very scary I imagine.

And then to have a new sibling at the same time, this is a lot of stress on a small child.

I'm sure that she will recover but she may need someone to talk to for right now. Maybe she sees you grieving as well and doesn't want to make it harder for you? I think kids are very sensitive and understand more than we think they do.

Good luck and I hope you find some answers.

[Bug-a-Boo's Mama]

I agree with the PP. That is a lot for a four year old to handle. I would REALLY try and spend some one on one time alone with your DD. Also, try and have your DH spend some quality time with her as I am sure that you are very busy with the baby. What she is doing sounds like a cry for attention-even if it isn't good.

[junebugmidwife]

It's a pretty classic expression of stress/fear for kids--my DS (now 5) did it for a while, particularly right after my H and I separated (he was 4.5). Time and talking helped. He also saw a very amazing play therapist for a while which I think also helped.

Hugs to you--that's a lot of family changes.