Question:

My 5 year old child in the last few week has started playing with his feces. He puts his finger up his anus, saying he`s trying to see if he has a bowel movement. What he is doing is sticking his finger in his anus and wiping/playing with his feces. I don`t know what I should do. He is more prevelant to do this behavior while in his room alone watching tv, so we have eliminated his tv and alone time. He now does it while every one is around. please help.

Answer:

I would seek professional mental health care assessment of your child’s situation.

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) health topic.