Why do kids want to talk about bums and poos all the time? It’s the question every parent eventually asks — usually after the fifth giggle-filled “poo joke” of the day. What feels like toilet humour overload to adults is actually a fascinating (and normal) part of child development. For children, talking about bums and poos is their way of exploring curiosity, control and boundaries - all while getting a guaranteed laugh. It’s a silly stage that signals growing confidence, language play and a blossoming sense of humour, writes Catherine E. Wood, Swinburne University of Technology.
READ THIS ARTICLE FOR FREE!
Let’s be honest! Parenting isn’t all cuddles and cupcakes. It’s also chaos, coffee, and Googling “is it normal if my toddler eats crayons?” at 2 a.m.
That’s why we built a BabyYumYum Subscription – your smart, supportive sidekick for the messy, magical ride of parenting.
When you join, you unlock:
🚀 Expert advice without the boring bits
💡 Real stories, real laughs, real connection
📘 Downloads, checklists & life-saving tips
💝 Exclusive discounts and benefits for you and your family
Because raising tiny humans is hard work but with the right team (that’s us!), it gets a whole lot easier.
If you spend time around little kids, you may notice one topic seems to be more interesting and hilarious than any other. Children of all ages love to make comments and jokes about bums and poos (as the many popular books on the topic show). Why do kids love “toilet talk” so much? And is it a problem?
What does Freud say?
One explanation lies in developmental psychology and Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual development. He described five stages of psychosexual development, and argued the way a child progresses through these stages helps to shape their personality over time.
According to Freud, usually between about one and four years, children go through the “anal stage” where there is a focus on controlling bowel movements for toilet training. Freud has much to say about this stage, including the child’s struggle to resolve the conflict to either hold onto the poo or let it out, which is influenced by how parents manage toilet training.
While Freud’s work has been the subject of much debate over many years, he reminds us that, as children learn this new skill of control, their interest in all things poo and bums can increase.
It’s a fascinating business
This time also coincides with children’s increasing awareness of their different body parts and how they work. New bodily experiences can be fascinating, and with new language skills, there can be much joy in talking about them, over and over again. Isn’t it funny, for example, to see how your body makes different noises when it is full or bloated?
Farting, while universal, is also socially taboo. It is also this psychological tension that makes it a source of laughter as children are learning what is socially acceptable and what is not.
It gets a reaction
Research also suggests primary school-aged children like to be provocative about these topics – seeing what sort of a reaction they get when they joke about bums and poo.
Parents of primary school kids will no doubt agree.
Kids can find these jokes hysterical, and work out that if they continue, they will often make others laugh too. How funny is it when mum or dad are trying to be serious but then break into giggles?
This in and of itself is reinforcing, and can also provide important moments of family connection, bonding and health.
Funny poo talk can provide opportunities for parents to talk with children about the importance of good food choices and gut health (to help, you could try reading There’s a Zoo in My Poo by Felice Jacka and Rob Craw.)
True, sometimes (even a lot of times) children might push the boundary too far. This is when some gentle reminders are needed about what is okay for the room as well as modelling appropriate chit chat.
For example, “we don’t talk about poo while we’re eating” or “we don’t make fart jokes in front of people we just met.”
Children might also need gentle reminding that they don’t use these words to put down other people, such as “you are a bumhead” or “poo face”.
What can parents do?
It’s important for parents to use correct terminology for body parts and bodily functions.
Taking a matter-of-fact approach shows kids this is just a normal, natural part of life. For example, “when you poo it is your body’s way of getting rid of all the things that it does not need – it is really healthy to poo every day”.
It also helps prepare children for transition out of this phase of fascination with bums, usually around the age of eight.
This approach can also be helpful if your child experiences constipation or has problems with soiling. Parents need to be able to talk openly and honestly about poo, and what worries the child might have that could be affecting their bowel movements.
Parents also need to show confidence and comfort in talking about these topics as they are a precursor for other topics, such as puberty and sex.
What is most important is parents and other trusted adults provide a space for children to feel comfortable with their bodies and talk about anything they might not understand.
And, of course, to have the opportunity to learn when bums and poo talk works for a laugh, and when it might need to be left in the toilet!
Catherine E. Wood, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
BabyYumYum FAQs: Why Kids Are Obsessed with Bums and Poos (and Why It’s Normal)
Why do kids find bums and poo so funny?
Children are naturally curious about their bodies, and topics like bums and poo are both familiar and taboo, making them irresistibly funny. They’re exploring what’s socially acceptable and discovering the power of humour to get a reaction.
At what age does this obsession usually start?
It often begins between 2 and 5 years old, when children are learning about toilet training, body awareness, and independence. It’s part of normal development and usually peaks during the preschool years.
Is talking about poo a sign of bad behaviour?
Not at all. It’s more about curiosity and testing boundaries than disrespect. Children learn what’s appropriate by watching adult reactions and that’s why calm explanations work better than scolding or laughter.
Why does my child keep saying “bum” or “poo” in public?
Kids love the attention these words get. Whether people laugh or react with shock, it reinforces the behaviour. Respond calmly, redirect the conversation and save “toilet talk” for appropriate times.
Does this mean my child is being rude?
Usually not. It’s a developmental phase. Most children don’t understand social context yet and they simply find body functions hilarious. Setting clear but kind boundaries helps them learn where and when it’s acceptable.
How can I respond without making a big deal of it?
Stay calm and consistent. Say something like, “We only talk about toilet stuff in the bathroom.” Overreacting, whether with laughter or anger — can make the behaviour more appealing.
Is it normal for siblings to join in?
Yes, toilet humour is often contagious. When one child finds it funny, others quickly join. Turn it into a teaching moment about appropriate times and places for silly jokes.
How long does this phase last?
It usually fades as children mature and learn social cues, typically by age 6 or 7. If it continues excessively or becomes disruptive, it may simply need gentle reinforcement of boundaries.
Can I use humour to handle this?
Absolutely. Light-hearted responses can work well. For instance, make a “Toilet Talk Time” where kids can get the giggles out privately before dinner or bedtime. It helps them feel heard while keeping structure.
Should I worry if my child is overly focused on body functions?
Generally, no. But if your child shows anxiety about toileting, refuses to go to the toilet or has other behavioural changes, it may help to talk with your paediatrician or child psychologist.
Why do kids like toilet humour even when they’re older?
Toilet humour often resurfaces around 8–10 years old, as children bond socially through jokes. It’s a sign of social development and shared laughter even if it makes adults cringe.
How can I help my child develop healthy humour?
Model appropriate jokes, read funny (non-toilet) books together, and praise humour that’s kind, clever or creative. Over time, their sense of humour becomes more sophisticated and socially aware.
Disclaimer: This information is for general parenting guidance only and does not replace professional medical or psychological advice. If your child’s behaviour around toilet use or humour seems excessive, consult your paediatrician or a child development specialist.
Get trusted, parent-approved advice at your fingertips. Premium Membership gives you expert guidance, real-world tips and member-only downloads. Try it out for unlimited access, exclusive content and helpful parenting tools.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Big emotions can be tough. Try these 5 tips for managing big feelings to support your child through tricky moments with calm and confidence.
