Is there any obvious reason why he doesnt like wiping his own backside? Does he dislike the feel of the loo paper? (think about using wet wipes instead?). Is he paranoid about the germy thing? (Make sure he has "special" soap to make his hands clean) Is he convinced he will fall in if he takes his hands away from the rim (practice balancing with one hand then two in the air). Does he have a very sore rear end so that wiping is painful (check with the doctor and try wet wipes) Or is this a real battle ground where he has mum over a barrel? (get dad to supervise the bottom wiping - not do it for him).

Kids will play all sorts of power games with their parents over toileting issues as it is one of the few areas of their lives that they have some power!

But, also, bear in mind that bowel movements arent an all day, every day occurrence and it is quite possible that he wont actually need to "go" at school! Many kids are toilet timed and rely on their gastro colic reflex to "go" after breakfast or tea, just once a day.

Have a word with his teacher, she'll keep an eye out for him!

Angela