Poop Training - Amarillo,TX

I've said it before, and it always works like a charm. Get EXCITED about poop! A lot of children have anxiety about pooping in the potty because we, as a society, look at poop as a negative thing. When they're babies and they poop in the diaper we say "ooohhh... stinky diaper!" Of course, that's natural because we want them to know that we don't like poop, and not to touch it or stick it in their mouth (heaven forbid!!). However, by doing this we create an anxiety for them and it becomes hard for them to poop in the potty which isn't as private as a diaper to them. But, if you get excited and say something like, "I'm so excited about your poopoo! I can't wait for you to poop! Can you poo-poo in the potty so that I can see it?!! That would be wonderful!!!" Or whatever comes to mind. Then just leave him be. If that doesn't work immediately (which it usually does) just keep it up until they are CONVINCED that you are genuinely happy about poop, and then he'll poop in the potty to make you happy. Good luck.

My second child was much like your son. This may sound silly, but we started watching her very carefully. 1) Most kids have a pretty regular schedule when it comes to bowel movements. 2) Kids will usually stop playing or find a quiet spot when they are about to have a bowel movement (especially if they suffer from constipation). I could then approach her gently and move her to the potty. After just a couple of "catches" and lots of positive reinforcement, we had the situation conquered. She was also very self-conscious about being watched, so I would leave a book or magazine in the bathroom for me to look at instead of watching her. Good luck!

This is gross, but it worked. We had dad do a live demonstration for our son (he was 2 1/2). I don't know if he got it better because it was dad or if something that dad said that clicked. Then, after that, he and I would listen for the "plops" and giggle if we heard them. It was like a little game. Hope that helps. Sorry, I know it brings up some nasty mental images, but it worked so I thought I'd share.

My daughter has had major problems with poop training, and we eventually took her to a gastroenterologist for help with her chronic constipation. Miralax is a laxative that is now over the counter -- it's a powder you mix into any liquid. We give it regularly and have her sit on the potty twice a day just to try and poop. This has helped tremendously! You might ask your doctor if this is a good path for you and to recommend a dosage. The other thing the specialist did was *show* my daughter how to sit on the potty -- feet planted firmly (on a stool) and leaned slightly forward with elbows on knees. This relaxes the muscles that they tighten up to hold it in. I hope this helps -- I really know how you feel!

My daughter is the same. She is 2 1/2 she has poop problems also that has her on meds. Sometime she wants the potty to poop in other times diapers. The dr told us to do what she feels best doing. I have a gift wraped by the potty for when she poops in the potty. The dr said that kids with poop problems in general will take longer to potty train.. Good luck

We had the same problem with our 3 year old son. He will be 4 in June. I talked with the Doctor (2 in fact) and they said Poop is one thing that you can't force. Whether you bribe or threat, they will do it when they are ready. Truly there is nothing you can do to get them to poop. Just be patient. We wondered at times if he would be the only kindergartener still pooping in his pants, but after a while he did just start going in the potty. I think our stress was stressing him out. Most boys aren't ready to poop in the potty until 3 1/2 or 4.

My 3 yr old is doing the exact same thing. We notice when he gets "quiet" that we need to check and take him to the potty. I changed what he was snacking on to help with the constipation, but he occasionally gets it and tends to hold it in as well. We have been setting goals for him to motivate him. We tell him "big boys that poop in the potty" get to go to the movies or that if he is a "big boy" he can pick out a prize at the store. He is getting better. Since my son is in daycare, they have him on a set schedule, so he goes potty at close to the same time everyday. That has helped me anticipate when he needs to go. Good Luck and hang in there Mom!