My 3 1/2 year old son was fully potty trained a year ago, but due to ongoing constipation issues, we put him on Miralax, which made everything happen too fast, and he regressed. Basically, he was having spontaneous poops, so we put him back in pull ups for a while. We started getting everything equalized again, and then my husband and I went on a week-long vacation-in October-without him for the first time. He started having a lot of accidents again when we got home. We are back to the point where he will pee on the potty most of the time, but he is afraid to poop on the potty. Actually, we think that he is holding it in. He started wearing "big boy" underwear again last week.
I don't want to push him too hard or cause him anxiety - I know he'll get there eventually - but he just started a new daycare/preschool a few weeks ago (yes, another change - it was necessary), and he cannot move into the 3 year old class until he is fully potty trained. I worry because he is acting a little bored in the toddler class, which is one of the many reasons we moved him from the last place, and I know he would be happier if he could move on.
We have tried many different things - sticker chart, bribery with chocolate and/or toys, heavy praise, trying not to put too much pressure on him, etc. He's a very emotional child, but he also knows how to "work it." Any thoughts from anyone who has gone through this?
Thank you so much for all of your help, support and suggestions! Turns out that his new day care/preschool was not as worried as I - they approached me last week and told me he was doing well enough to transition into the 3-4 yr old room. The first day in there, he was peeing standing up, joining in on all the fun, and now he is much happier. He is still having accidents at home, but we can deal with that for now. I was mainly just worried about him being stuck in the Toddler room. Thanks!!!
My daughter was holding back the poop also. I started giving her some prune juice (mixed into choc milk), which softened things up and increased her sense of urgency. It worked.
My daughter had the same problem at that age. She had very bad constipation and it really created fear of the potty. She was pee trained at 2 but not poop trained until she was 4. I know you said you tried Miralax, but that was a miracle for us. It sounds to me that his dose was just too high. My daughter only needed about 1/3 of the recommended dose to make her regular. It made it soft enough to go without pain, but still have control. She used to withhold her poop too and this helped her get over the fear. We had her on it fore several months(the ped said it takes about 3 mos to change a bad experience), then we did a completely naked weekend and she finally got over her fear. There are also some natural remedies for constipation that might be easier on his system. One is called spirulina. I would check with an herbalist on how much. The important thing is not pressuring them. It's hard because you want them to reach this milestone, but it will only make it last longer. Empower him, tell him he is in charge of his poop and where it goes and offer rewards for going on the potty. A star chart or a basket of goodies to pick from are a couple of ideas. I wish you luck!
A.
We give 2-3oz of prune juice each morning and that has helped tremendously with the constipation. I avoided the miralax (although I too was given a rx for it). I would probably just leave the topic alone for awhile and see what happens. It seems to me at 3 1/2 they are very independent and need to come to conclusions on their own and the more we push the more they resist (it's just bpart of being 3).
Good luck
It is normal being what he just went through to be a tad traumatized. Regression happens at their age so easily. First talk to your Dr. Then find another means of encouragement, like maybe just encourage the being a big boy thing. Have him realize that in order to be with the kids his age in class he has to start going on the potty again. He has to have something he really likes or wants and use that too. He is too old to be in toddler class and tell him how cool the older kid class is. Maybe take him in there a little bit so he can see. It won't be easy, let him go at his own pace. Maybe even tell him if he isn't going to be a big boy now that he has to go to bed early, drink from sippy cups again, or whatever baby thing he doesn't like at all. Boys are harder anyway. Good luck.
Hi J.,
Is your son still having issues with pooping (constipation, loose stools, irregular stools)? If he doesn't know what to expect there I can understand why he's acting this way. I know you'd like to this turn around over night but until he knows what to expect it's could be a slow process. I'd try to get to the bottom of the poop problem first. From what I've read Miralax isn't something he should be on long term. Here's a website that talks about the issue you describe.
http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&...
I don't really agree with the mineral oil routine the doctor advises on though. Our bodies can become dependent on laxatives and softeners. I'd try adding some Probiotics to his routine. It helps to balance the digestive system naturally so that it can function the way it's meant to. Probiotics can be taken as a daily supplement as they help build a healthy digestive system by replenishing levels of ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help increase the movement of foodstuff throught the intestinal tract (peristalsis) naturally.
I've been a nurse over 20 years and help educate moms in the area of health and wellness. Drop me a line if you'd like.
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Uuummm.. what worked for me was explaining that only babies wear diapers and big boys go potty like Daddy. (I also insisted DH let son observe what to do and how!) I was able to convince him once he saw a newborn get a diaper change a few times. It literally took 3 days. I know your case is different but the psychology for me paid off. I then reinforced with praise and treats as was appropraite.
