Finally, the moment arrives. After a weekend dedicated to intensive potty training, your little one has successfully embraced using the potty, and you’re ready to say goodbye to the last diaper. You feel a sense of pride, and your child shares in that joy. Perhaps you even treated your darling to a small gift and celebrated with a well-deserved glass of wine for yourself.
But wait—there’s a hiccup. Your child happily urinates in the potty without any accidents, yet when it comes to pooping, it just isn’t happening. In fact, it might not happen at all.
When I faced this dilemma, I thought I was the only one dealing with a child who adamantly refused to poop on the potty. I was taken aback since he had adapted to peeing and wearing underwear far more easily than I anticipated. Nighttime dryness came within a week of training, yet pooping turned into a different ballgame. For reasons unknown, he simply wouldn’t do it. Thankfully, he had remarkably strong muscles, so instead of accidents, he just held it in—definitely not ideal.
With the guidance of my pediatrician, who reassured me that this phase would eventually pass, I had to reintroduce diapers for him to feel comfortable enough to poop. This stage dragged on longer than I expected, but he ultimately transitioned out of those diapers. It involved a rather creative (and somewhat desperate) solution: cutting a hole in the diaper so he could sit on the potty while still wearing it.
If I managed to get through that, I’m convinced I can handle anything. Here are some insights I gained during this challenging time:
1. Prioritize Pooping, Even if It Means a Regression
There’s a frustrating cycle that occurs when children withhold their poop. They may experience discomfort and pain during bowel movements, which makes them reluctant to try again. The key is to encourage them to poop, even if it means temporarily returning to diapers.
2. Gentle Laxatives Can Help
Remember, the goal is to facilitate regular bowel movements. You might consider a pediatrician-recommended laxative or incorporate dietary changes like prunes and flaxseed oil into smoothies.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Seek Professional Help
I took my son to the doctor after discovering blood in his stool (a real scare!). The blood was due to fissures from withholding. My pediatrician assured me this is common, especially among boys, and emphasized the importance of making the experience as comfortable as possible.
4. You Are Not Alone
I initially felt isolated, thinking my son was the only child struggling with this issue. However, it turns out this is a widespread problem, and many parents face similar challenges.
5. This Phase Will Pass
My son is now fully potty trained, and his bowel movements are regular and uneventful. It took him longer than I expected to adjust to the idea of pooping somewhere other than in his diaper. Toddlers thrive on routine, and some adapt to changes more readily than others.
So, extend patience, provide extra support (including diapers if needed), and consider dietary tweaks like prunes. Avoid comparing your child to others who seem to have mastered potty training effortlessly. You might be surprised to discover that many kids face the same poop challenges.
Finally, let me reassure you: there’s no chance your child will still be in diapers when it’s time for college. I promise.
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Summary
Potty training can be a complicated journey, especially when a child refuses to poop on the potty. It’s crucial to break the cycle of withholding, seek professional advice, and introduce gentle remedies to ease the process. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and with some patience, your child will adapt in their own time.