Can someone tell me why a child would smear f***s?

Question

Is this a sign of abuse... If so what kind?

Answer 1

Boredom

Answer 2

Ugh...my baby started this when he was about 1 and it went on for several weeks. He would wake up from a nap...then poo and take his diaper off and quietly smear it on the wall and crib.  He would scream after the fact and I would run into his room thinking he was hurt just to find a poopy kid.  I assume it was curiousity...boredom...

I don't know what would intrigue him to do it!  I was home constantly with him so I know there was no abuse going on.

Answer 3

No, it's not a sign of abuse.

My friend used to take her diaper off and practially paint with it!  Babies don't know it's poo.  They just find the colour and texture interesting!

Perhaps it just means it's time to start potty training!  Or perhaps watching the baby closer so it doesn't smear it!

Answer 4

Sometimes children smear f***s, when they feel as if they lack control over a situation. This may be a sign of either current or past abuse (usually sexually, given the belief that such a strong odor may lessen the desire of the perpetrator; however, the abuse could be emotional or physical). Also, children could do this as a result of change (again, something uncontrollable), such as a move, separation from parent, etc.

This is uncommon for children of "normal" circumstances, but is more common for children who are in foster care, due to abuse and/or neglect.

The child would benefit from consistently, knowledge that the act is unacceptable, and therapy.

Answer 5

It is not a sign of abuse. It is more of a "Gee, what's this and what can I do with it" thing. They think it is great for "finger painting". A little boy I used to nanny did this so his parents and I started putting his PJs on backwards after cutting the feet out so he could not unzip the sleepers.