[aotto001]

My 5 year old son is always putting his finger in his butt. Last night he stuck a crayon in his butt. I just thought it was normal behavior considering kids stick things in their noses and ears all the time. His father is very concerned and thinks there is something wrong with our son. My son's father is in and out of his life constantly. Could it be a behavior issue or is it a mental issue. He has also smeared poop on walls. I have called a child therapist, but I am beginning to get very concerned.

[odinn7]

I can't say whether this is "normal" or not but I can say this: I never did it... my daughter never did it... my friends kids never did it. You say you called a therapist, so then what came of that?

[aotto001]

His appt isn't until January

[Fr_Chuck]

So when you told him NO, and perhaps punished him for this behavior did he continue

[Wondergirl]

How did you deal with this so far?

He may have a problem in that area -- a rash or itchiness or perhaps even constipation.

[Alty]

Smearing poo on the wall is something many kids do. It's the ever available crayon. But, that's usually something kids do when they're toddlers, not 5.

Sticking things up his bum, I can't say that that's normal. But, every child is different. I too have to ask what you've done to deal with this issue. At five he should be able to communicate, and tell you why he's doing this. Ask him, but in a non confrontational, non judgmental way. Maybe "son, is your bum bothering you? Why do you like putting things in your bum?" Keep cool, and don't scare him. There may be a very logical explanation for all of this, such as a rash, or pain, or itching, like WG mentioned.

But do see the therapist. I would also make an appointment with your family doctor to rule out anything medical.

Good luck.

[aotto001]

He used to hide behing chairs and poop and hide it and I took him to a therapist and she told me to just watch him and reward him for going in the toilet. I have asked him why he does it and he always just says "i dont know". He does complain about his butt itching a lot. His fingers always smell like poop too. I have said tihngs to the doctor and she just says it normal. I don't think its normal because its getting worse with him.

[Wondergirl]

An itching butt is not normal.

Asking why is usually worthless Most kids can't verbalize why, haven't the cognitive capacity to figure out why they react the way they do, thus his "I don't know."