Is your little one having too many pooping accidents? Does your child have the pee part down but doesn't seem to want to poop on the potty?
Well you're not alone!
Children learn to control their bowel movements before they learn to control their bladder function. This is reflected in a typical potty training child development timetable which indicates when a child is ready to potty train.
We see this when we realize our baby is no longer waking up from naps or in the morning with a poopy diaper. We also see this when our little one hides, squats, and poops.
You know what I'm talking about; you suddenly notice your toddler has disappeared so you seek him out only to find him red-faced and grunting behind the sofa!
MD is using a Step Up Potty
| Why is it so difficult to get a child trained to poop in the potty? How do you help your little one progress to the point of being an "independent pooper"? Bowel movement control doesn't mean bowel movement trained. Children still have to learn the process of finding the appropriate location, pulling their clothing off, climbing on the seat or chair, relaxing, releasing, etc. And to make parenting more fun every child has their own, unique personality. So as parents we get to figure out just what little tricks we need to use to prompt our little guy or gal to poop in the potty. Here are a few steps you can take to increase your chance of converting your resistant "little poop" into an independent poop making machine! |
1. Ensure your child has a comfortable environment. Some kids find it hard to push if their feet are dangling so be sure you use a step stool and / or Potty Chairs that allows your child to be flat-footed.
Consider using an air freshener if your child is sensitive to smell. My little guy has a strong gag reflex and hated going poop until he discovered air fresheners.
Pick your battles. If your little one wants to take off his/her clothes, let them. Some kids don’t like the binding of the clothing while they are pooping. Some kids are concerned their shirt or pants will get wet or dirty. So embrace the fact that they are willing to go and forget about their nakedness.
- Be considerate of their attempt for privacy. Some little guys and gals learn modesty sooner than we realize. If your little one wants you to step out of the bathroom do so. (But keep an ear to the door to be sure they aren’t getting into something they shouldn’t!)
2. Teach your child to relax.
3. Train your child to be independent.
4. Help your child maintain a healthy, high-fiber diet with plenty of water consumption
5. Use Potty Rewards for your child according to your family’s values and lifestyle.
6. And above all, don’t rush your child.
- These little guys want to please you. Sometimes the anxiety of today’s busy, rushed lifestyle can keep a child from relaxing. Your little one can wind up withholding bowel movements until the problem becomes one of constipation or even encopresis. Avoid these complications by making the process as much fun and stress-free as possible.
HINT:
If you are training a boy, it’s easier if you introduce them to potty training sitting down. They are less apt to be confused when it’s time for a bowel movement, and they are more likely to be comfortable sitting on the potty for the extra time that’s often required.
