My 5 year old won't poop in the potty, I've tried everything!

Erin - posted on 09/23/2012

This is a recommendation that I read once that kinda stuck with me, though I've never had to try it... First I would do as the others recommended and try to ensure that her movements will be soft and easy to pass. Then (this is only if she is in diapers/pull-ups) when she has to potty, ask her to sit on the potty WITH the diaper/pull-up on while she poops... After she gets used to the idea cut the bottom out of the diaper/pull-up while she has her movement, and then praise like crazy when she goes in the potty! After that, try without... Some kids won't even need the bottom cut out- they just accept that it won't hurt just because they are sitting on the potty. Some kids actually get scared when they go in the potty because as it falls away it feels like they are losing a piece of themselves, but it doesn't sound like this is her issue since she had the hard poop that scared her off. Another suggestion is to encourage her to stand on the potty seat and squat down, just like they do with the diaper on. That's actually how I got both of my boys to go, because it felt more natural to them and they could even kinda see what was going on down there... Best of luck!

Melissa - posted on 09/13/2012

I agree with Brittney (below). My niece is one of the brightest girls I have ever known and she had troubles with going #2 in the potty. She was turning 5 on August 15th and my sister was stressing out because where I live, if a child is 5 on or before August 30th, they should be starting kindergarten. When my sister contacted my niece's school, they recommended taking her to see her Pediatrician for some suggestions. Her pediatrician gave her a list of foods to try (similar to Brittney's list) and also prescribed fiber and stool softeners. It took a few weeks for the new diet and prescriptions to kick in, but once they did she was able to successfully "go". Also, the longer a child holds their poop, it gives the intestines time to absorb water causing constipation. My son also had troubles going #2 in the potty. We tried everything, but what seemed to work for us was having him go while we went and saying the potty is "hungry". Lol. It sounds pretty disgusting, but it worked! Now my son tells me that the toilet is "sad and hungry" (before he goes) then says, "it's happy because he fed it" (afterwards). Best of luck to you and your little girl!

Brittney - posted on 09/12/2012

I would offer more high fiber foods to 'soften' the bowel movements, once it doesn't hurt anymore you may get a little further.



High fiber foods:

apples

apple juice

prunes

prune juice

ground milled flax seed

oatmeal

bread

pasta

fiber supplements



I recommend starting the high fiber foods slowly (otherwise she may get stomach cramps) and then try the rewards again. You could also have her run around the house without any undies on (if you know she wont try to hide it) and offer the potty when she starts looking uncomfortable or just before. While she sits on the potty, tell her to relax don't push. Drinking water may help to take her mind off of it too and ease the discomfort. If all else fails contact her doctor and ask them.