3 1/2 Year Old Won't Poop on Potty

Updated on September 23, 2009
C.M. asks from Chicago, IL
4 answers

My 3 1/2 yo daughter has been peeing on the potty for a year. And during this past year has pooped on the potty when she has felt like it but that those times are few and far between. We have tried EVERYTHING. I think I've read everything out there - talked to her doctore - read every post on Mamasource that has delt with this and I am just at the end of my rope. The latest has been a sticker chart (for the 3rd time) and she got to choose her "prize" if she went 7 times /got 7 stickers and so after 6 WEEKS (not 7 days like we'd hoped) we finally took her to Navy Pier to ride the Merry-go-round. Now she has no interest for another "Prize". The rule has also been that if she won't poop on the potty and only a diaper, then she has to poopy in the bathroom. Last night she fought it tooth and nail and through a tantrum because she didn't want to poopy in the bathroom - even though it would still be in her diaper. I feel like every time we make headway she does it once and then bucks the system. HELP - has anyone else dealt with a strong willed child like this? I've heard horror stories of parents who really came down hard on their kids and are still having constipation problems in Jr. High - I do not want to "scare" her into not pooping at all and go through the constipation thing - AGAIN (at least 4 times now). We do have a 6 month old but we've been dealing with this prior to me being pregnant. Any encouragement is greatly appreciated.

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J.T.

answers from Chicago on

We tried EVERYTHING with my daughter who will turn 4 next week. Prizes, outings, stickers you name it. She wanted no part of it. She had a really hard time pooping in general(she was only pooping like maybe twice a week) so I just let it go and finally just as summer started she started going by herself, she didn't tell us, didn't want us in the bathroom or to wipe her. I think it's best just to leave it alone and let them do it on their own time, I know it seems like it will never happen but it will-I promise, the bigger deal you make the less she'll want to go.

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

Wendy Sweeney, a specialist in potty training, I think is at www.bootycampmom.com and is definitely FANTASTIC!! Her program worked for us right away.

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

C.- We have been going through this too with our 4 year old. It's tough, but we have just been using positive feedback and it has really improved. She still has accidents, but we really try to talk about it without anger. Giving her responsibility for taking care of herself has really helped. Rewards never did a thing and don't really help long term. Now she wants to "show" us every time she poops. It's funny, but she is very excited about it and by acknowledging her progress she really is getting the support and encouragement she needs. Hang in there!

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