Trouble Toilet Training?
What not to do when your child won’t poop on the potty
Don’t get angry. Don’t scold your child or make her feel ashamed. Your little one isn’t doing this on purpose, she isn’t trying to make you mad, and she doesn’t understand how to solve this any more than you do.
Don’t make your child sit on the toilet and “try” or push. Bowel movements come out when the body is ready, and forcing them can create small tears in the anus (fissures) or hemorrhoids, which cause all-day pain in the rectum. This will cause the child to avoid pooping even more, which leads to constipation, which creates hard stool, which causes more hemorrhoids, and on and on and on to generate a dreadful cycle of pain and frustration.
Don’t let your child strain when he sits to poo. Of course a little bit of pushing can be necessary for a normal bowel movement. But if he is grunting, straining and forcing, it’s a sign that either he’s not quite ready to go, or he’s somewhat constipated. Have him drink a big glass of water, eat a piece of fruit and then try again in 10 to 20 minutes.
Don’t make your child “hold it.” When she announces the need to go, or if you notice that her body signals are indicating a need to go, find a toilet immediately. Delaying and holding contributes to constipation and other bowel problems.
