hugs!  as the mom of an OCD 4.5 year old who still has some issues pooping in the potty i know how frustrating it can be!  i know many children have 'control' issues and 'fear' issues when it comes to pooping.  have you had him evaluated by a counselor/psychiatrist?

on the whole school thing not noticing, i would be pitching a fit!  the teachers need to pay more attention.  maybe if you bring it up to them in a nice way about his 'issue' maybe they will pay a bit more attention.

hugs hugs and more hugs!

You should let the teacher know about his problem, and have her call you if need be. Then at least she will know you are aware of what is going on and that you aren't sending your child to school dirty.

I never thought there could be a psychological issue behind this. I will definitely be bringing that up to the doctor. Thank You!

As a mom who went through this exact same thing with a son for two years, my best advice is to know that this too will pass. :) I actually did several things at the advice of a child psychologist. The first was to buy all white underwear - seven pairs, one pair for each day of the week. Inside the waistband with a permanent black marker, write the day of the week. For each day that your son does not poop in his pants, he gets a reward. Create a reward boards with certain special treats or activities under each day of the week. Allow him to choose. Second, when he does have an accident, make sure he is helping in the cleaning of his underwear. Buy two sets of rubber gloves - one pair for you and one for him. He should take responsibility for his actions (even at this young age), but this needs to be done in a manner that is safe, does not make him feel embarrassed or ashamed and is not scary in any way. By you having a pair of gloves and helping him to clean his accidents up, you are showing your support. These tricks worked wonders for us! I highly recommend them. :)

Just wanted to say, been through it with my son too! You're not alone, as you can already tell, and I hear the frustration. At 3 yo, started potty training, and NEVER thought I would be at the same task for 4 more years!

However, it does get better. Way better. Hang in there. With the right diet, the right schedule, and the right pediatrician, you can overcome the poop!

At 5 yo, I decided I was out of the business of scrubbing underpants, and just bought new ones instead. After all, if you can afford diapers, you can afford underpants? Right??

Also, I believe my son was in 1st grade when I told him that his poop was his poop, not my problem anymore. Of course, I was gentle, but also firm. got a doctor's letter, copied it to the school, and told him, only he knew when he felt the urge. Not me, not my poop, his poop!! So, I got out of the "reminder" business, and let him have ownership of the issue. Best decision I ever made. Also, hardest thing I had to do. Just told him that there was plenty of clean underpants, home, school, etc. Bought the flushable wipes, plenty of hand soap (yes, he did once come home from school with poop on his hands, MAJOR freak out for me, but as you know, it washes off!!), and told him if they were dirty to just throw them out.

Once I got out of that business, things really improved. Only you know if you have a power struggle compounding your problem, but follow your instinct, check things out with your doc, and hang in there. Every kid is different, and you know your son best. Good luck. Remember, it will get better!!

Both of my sons have dealt with encopresis. My older son is now almost 20. He was almost 12 before we had an answer. I can't even tell you how many tears there were between the two of us.
I just didn't know why he kept doing this.

My youngest is 7. He only has an accident once a month at MOST.

It can get better, & it will. :)