Potty Training - 2 Year Old "Painting with Poop"

Hi J.,

I had the same problem with my daughter when she turned two. She just experimenting. My daughter did it quite a bit more then twice. We couldn't figure it out. Everyone that I talked to said that, it was an attention deal. We gave her more attention but it wouldn't stop... She did this for a good 6+ months. I had tried to put her in those body suit outfits, it still didn't work. She learned quickly how to unsnap them and pull them off.

I would suggest that if she's already willing to go into the potty, then it's time. I gave my kids a treat every time they went #2 in the potty. It seemed to really help me out. I know most people would disagree with a small cookie, but what ever works right... I'm sure your little darling is bright so talking to her in a sturdy voice tone, when she "paints" should do the trick.

Buying "big girl" underwear should also help as a goal. Positive reenforcement with how "grown up" or "extra pretty" she is, would be a good incentive for her.

Hope your trouble ends soon, and that I was some help, but most importantly your not alone in this!

Take care,
Ang

Hi J.!

I work in a daycare and at the time I was in the 2 year old room, and we had a set of twins that done the exact same thing! Not long after, they started going potty. So i would take this as a sign of getting ready to potty train. Good luck!

B.

Maybe you can try putting your daughter in a onesie every day for a while, hopefully she won't be able to stick her hands down in her pull-up. I think this is probably just a stage, just like any other new discovery it's something interesting to her. Hopefully if you can keep her hands out of her pull-up long enough for her to forget about it she'll discover something even newer and more exciting.

My son was about 2 1/2 when he decided to paint the walls of our bathroom while he was going poop in the potty. We had been actively potty training for about 6 months. He was doing great with the potty training. I wasn't in the room because he wouldn't poop if I was in there with him. I took him out of the bathroom and put him in his room while I cleaned up the mess. Then after everything was cleaned up we talked about how nasty poop is and why we don't play with it. He never did it again.

This is pretty common. She could just be experimenting with the feel of it - to which I say, talk to her about it and why we don't touch poop with our hands. Then, try getting her some playdough so she can get that squishy, explore need fulfilled with something less dangerous. Also, I'd say she's probably ready to step up her game in the potty training arena. I wouldn't expect miracles in days, but she could be getting the basics and allowed to try out her new skills. If you want to keep her hands out of her diaper in the meantime, layer her with a one-piece bodysuit - that'll do the trick! :)Enjoy your wonderful little artist!