My eight year old son does have a batroom issue ... but its not what you think, and I could really use some suggestions on what to do.
If I need my son to do something, could be chores or schoolwork, doesn't matter, he suddenly needs to go to the bathroom and then, he won't come out.
Bathrooms also seem to be his playground. Before we pulled him from school, we was well known for goofing around in the bathrooms, this got to the point where even his 504 said he was to only use the bathroom in the school nurses office.
Just what is it about bathrooms and this kid??
I'd say he's avoiding the task he's supposed to do so finds a place that most people won't bother him. Its definitely avoidance. The other thing is, that sometimes parents or teachers forget to get him to do the task that was originally asked. Ask him to use the washroom before making requests of him. Let him know that you know his game.THEY LIKE TO PLAY IN THERE. A NP ASKED US DOES YOUR CHILDS BEHAVIOR SEEM ODD TO YOU. I SAID YES. HE DOES STUFF OUR DAUGHTER NEVER DID. iT'S HARD CAUSE BOYS ARE SO DIFFERENT THAN GIRLS ANYHOW. Our 15 year old son would do this when he was younger anytime he was asked to do any task here at home. He always seemed to believe that someone else would have completed the task by the time he came out. He still does this occasionally, and we have to remind him of what he is supposed to be doing, and that we haven't forgotten!
[QUOTE=momiss2]I'd say he's avoiding the task he's supposed to do so finds a place that most people won't bother him. Its definitely avoidance. The other thing is, that sometimes parents or teachers forget to get him to do the task that was originally asked. Ask him to use the washroom before making requests of him. Let him know that you know his game.[/QUOTE]
I agree.
I agree that this is behavioral. This is a classic avoidance tactic. As long as it works for him, he'll keep doing it because he's learned it's worked well for him. My son does this.... or tries to. The key here is to not re-enforce it by completing for him what he is avoiding. Just calmly tell him that when he is through in the bathroom.....the task will be waiting. Don't nag, scream, yell, plead, bribe, etc. If he purposely locks himself in.....install a door knob that you can unlock from outside. If he purposely delays knowing you will be in a rush to leave somewhere, make him do the task immediately upon return. By all means, DON"T let him get out of the task!
Okiemom
Thank you for the replies. Today I made him finis any tasks BEFORE he could go to the bathroom. It was amazing how quickly he could do his chores!