My 3 year old will pee but not poop in the potty. I've tried the "be patient and they will do it when they are ready" route. I am extremely frustrated though! How do you keep calm when you're washing the millionth pair of soiled underwear 3 times a day?? And what is it about poop that scares them so?
2007-01-17 07:59:56 · 9 answers · asked by JiminyCricket 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My kids never had this problem but my mother said my brothers had it. She said that the child thinks that its like a little piece of themselves being flushed down the toilet, so its hard for them to do. I have no idea if this is true or not but that's what she said. You could ask your pediatrician? You're doing the right thing being patient, good job, keep it up!
2007-01-17 08:06:17 · answer #1 · answered by BlairBear 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is something about watching something that comes out of their bodies go down the toilet that scares kids. Have you tried letting your child clean it up?? I am a daycare provider. I had a child who was approaching 4 and was LAZY! Mom and Dad had no sucess so they were content to keep him in diapers forever. I filled a jar with jelly beans- when he went pee on the pot he got one- poop got 2. We would all cheer and make a big deal about it when he went. He would still sneak off and crap in his pants if we were not on him though!! After a bit of research I explained to him that he was going to have to clean it up next time because it was yucky and I did not like touching it. I asked him if he would want to touch it and he said no. Sure enough, it happened again- and as hard as it was- I handed hiom the wipes and a bag and I left him with it for a minute. He got it on his hand- he got frustrated. I stepped in and calmly told him how yucky it was and that I would help him, but he needs to do it on the potty unless he wants to clean it. He got the gist. I did remind him a few times about going poop on the pot so he did not have to clean it, and it worked out well. It may sound cruel- but it makes them understand that they are responsible for that stuff coming out and need to take care of it now. I have had awesome sucess potty training many kids- including my own daughter at 18 months. Talk potty all the time, take them in every 15 minutes, reward their efforts with praise and treats (only if they go) It will work!! Good Luck!! Oh- and try letting them go naked for a couple of days- they are much more aware of their bodies when they are nudie!!
2007-01-17 08:10:41 · answer #2 · answered by Smilingcheek 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The theory is that they view "poop" as being a part of them, and the fear is that they are getting rid of a part of them that is why they are scared and that is why they are afraid to poop on a toilet. Some children like the "feel" of a poopy diaper, warm squisshy for some believe it or not it is comforting. How do you not get frustrated? Parenting skills, You simply don't allow yourself to get frustrated, you are the parent not the child.
2007-01-17 08:10:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard that some see the poop as an extension of themselves, like an arm or leg. It sounds strange, I know, but if you look at it that way, it is no wonder that it is scary for them to let go of it. Children can sense your frustration and will tense up and mirror you. How about getting outside help? You can pay a day care center that specializes in it.
2007-01-17 08:06:30 · answer #4 · answered by KEOE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen a few different things as a preschool teacher and a nanny. One child I had was afraid to poop because it hurt so bad. They would hold it in then it would hurt more and they kept the cycle going... He was afraid of the noise it makes too...
He ultimately went on a power laxitive that he drink in his orange juice to force it.
But with my brother my parents had to coax him to think it was cool to poop in the potty. If your son has older brothers and sisters or older friends ask them to talk to him about why its cool to poop on your own. It may sound better coming from them.
Worst comes to worst have him help clean up his pants and he will see how much work it is compared to just going in the toilet.
2007-01-17 08:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by mcdonald624 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give your 3 yr. old time. I've have a little brother and sister and i have felt the same fustration because i pottied trained my baby sister. They will tell you when they're ready. If you rush them they will refuse even more. I know 3 is cutting it close but one day he/she will probably suprise you and be ready to do it. he/she is probably just not sure what the potty is going to do to her/him. Explain it and buy kid books that have potty stories. and if its your daughter you can buy a doll that goes potty to show her that if she goes potty the doll will to. I hope this helped alittle!
2007-01-17 08:07:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two boys and it went smoothly with one, and definitely not with the other. I just don't think he is ready. Put him in pullups for another month or two and make him help you when he poops in them. Have him take them off, try to dump it in the toilet, wave goodbye while it flushes, and have him help clean himself.
It gets better, trust me. my 7 year old was so afraid of poop that he would hold it for up to a WEEK! I thought we would never live past it.
2007-01-17 08:05:37 · answer #7 · answered by Lolly 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
it may be the feeling of it. they are used to it going strait into the diaper and not into a hole. just be patient and show them what they did and tell them how to do it.
2007-01-17 08:06:10 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try slapping the little bundle of joy across the nose with a newspaper, then throw his butt out the front door
2007-01-17 08:08:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋