2 1/2 Year Old Won't Poop in the Potty

I have a 3 year old boy who won't poop in the potty. He wears underwear until it is time to poop which is every night (he won't go at the sitter) and then asks for his pull-up. He poops in his pull-up and then back to underwear. He is completely trained otherwise and doesn't even pee the bed at night. We are getting a little frustrated but everyone I talk to promises me he'll get it someday and not to push him. So, I'd like any words of advice too. JP

K.,

As others here have stated and as people have previously told me, pooping seems to be more difficult for kids. I have a daughter who is almost 4 and was completely potty trained before she was 2, no issues at all and she did it herself (no pushing from me). I have a son who will be 2 in a couple of days and sometimes he'll really interested in using the toilet (like in the middle of the night when he wakes up crying because he needs to go), but other times he's not (like first thing in the morning when his diaper is actually dry).

The one thing I used for both of them is books, especially for BMs. You mentioned your daughter will say she needs to go, but then want off the toilet before the deed is done, only to go in her panties. I think that has to do with the short attention span (my son does the same thing) and if you can get her to sit on the toilet longer she may have better success. It will also distract her mind from pooping and any negativity she has associated with it.

Good luck and although it is frustrating for you, I encourage you not to use pull-ups or diapers, that may be more frustrating for your daughter. Just as you don't want to start power struggles over food, you don't want to start them over toileting issues.

D.

I don't know for sure, but I think the problem is that pooping on a toilet is completely unnatural. That is why I think it is so difficult for children to get the hang of. The natural position for pooping is squatting, and standing is easier than squatting. I think the best we can do is have patience until our children become comfortable pooping on the potty...or teach them to squat on the toilet, which can be difficult as well.
I don't think your daughter will regress to peeing in her pants. Most kids I have known have had a lot of trouble pooping in the toilet. I know it is hard to deal with large toddler poops every day, but hang in there, she will get it eventually.

My 2 1/2 yr old son just started pooping in the potty last week. It seems different for all little ones. Pooping is a huge step too! My advice is do not revert back to pull-ups! This will confuse her. Just keep doing what you are doing...alot of positive praise and support. Don't scold her for accidents. She's trying and that is all that counts right now. Just try to figure out when she does go poop normally (after breakfast, lunch,etc) and have her try by sitting her on the potty. My little boy got off of his schedule too, at first. But that is completely normal. If she makes messes in her big girls pants...she will be uncomfortable and that is a good thing. I know it's hard, but just stick with it!!! Trust me, the first time she does go poop in the potty, you will be just as thrilled as she is!!!

K., I had a similar problem. It just took a little time and resolved on its own. I kept reinforcing how the princesses (on her panties) didn't like being pooped on. I also started giving her prune juice (in chocolate milk) to loosen things up and increase her urge to go. She went at home before she went at daycare. It gets tiring cleaning up the panties, I know. But I'm sure she'll get the hang of it soon.

Hi K.,

My 2 sons, now in their 20's were both different from the other in potty training. My oldest was actually harder than my younger, and since they are 15 months apart, I finally 'bribed' or 'rewarded' which ever you want to call it, after they made the potty both #1 & #2 and stayed dry all night for 5 days. We went to the toystore then, and they were able to pick out whatever toy they wanted. Fortunately, at that age, it's not very expensive. But it worked!

For my oldest, he was #1 trained during the day, then we moved and I had to start all over again. Often, if there is a baby added to the family, or any other stressful events for the youngster, the training seems to cease. So, if there has been any new things to you little ones life, this could be a cause for change in the training. You have to try to look at what the stresses or changes are that could effect her.

Best of luck, and just love on her!!!

J.

Well what I did with both my kids was had them wear underware/panties from the start of potty training. I found with my son my oldest that he could care les about going in the pull up cause it absorbed everything. With my son the sticker charts worked great. I never put them back in pull ups. Now my daughter was actually easy but I did with her what I did with my son. It is more of a mes seeing as they will still have some accidents and many in the beginning but she is also still young at 2 1/2 and poop for most kids is harder to grasp.

K.
Keep on keepin on and this will work out in good time. I say keep using panties. Make sure your daughter's stools are not too hard because any kind of difficulty going will prolong the process. Stay super patient (easier said than done, I knw). You might know this, but some kids actually are afraid of the concept of poop. They actaully think a part of their body is leaving via the toiliet and it keeps them from using the toilet. So make sure she's with you when you go and flush too and then sees you are perfectly fine afterwards. Fun fun fun. Hang in there. This too shall pass..no pun intended. :)