Pooping in the toilet troubles, HELP

Agie - posted on 01/23/2010

Is he afraid of getting splashed in the bottom when he poops in the toilet? Try lining a paper towel on the water to keep it from splashing. It worked for a bit for my son.

Sarah - posted on 01/21/2010

ive tried everything but nothing seems to work, we no longer knows when hes going and he gives us no warning so we cant be sure hell run in poop on the floor and be back out in like a minute to tell me, and bribery doesnt work at all

Jolene - posted on 01/21/2010

Have you tried standing/sitting on the floor and making sure he stays on the toilet. I run an in home day care and there have been a few children through the 24 years that I have been open that are frightened for some reason. I have literally had to make them stay sitting until they had gone poop. It helps if you know about the time he goes everyday. I would talk reassuringly to them, after a few times of enforcing them to sit, they have realized there is nothing to be afraid of.
Also try bribery!! I give the day care 2 m&ms one if they are dry and one if they use the toilet. If they are wet they only get 1 if they use the toilet. If they are dry but do not use the toilet they only get 1 too. Anyway, it is truly amazing what 2 M&M's can accomplish. You could use fruit snacks, fish crackers, what ever he really likes, but be firm that to get 2 he has to use the toilet.
Also if he is refusing to use a diaper too is he going regularly? I have also had to increase their fiber intake for a few weeks to get them regular. The kids who have been frightened tended to hold it until it hurt and they were constipated, thus reinforcing their fear that it hurt or whatever, so I just really boosted the fiber, to make it hard to hold and softer to eliminate.

Amy - posted on 01/21/2010

Don't feel bad Sarah. My son is 4 1/2 and we're still going through this. He has pooped on the toilet exactly twice. He goes in his pants and won't even tell us. He holds it until he goes to bed when he still wears a pull up. I've tried bribery, encouragment and praise, threats, I have even put a potty in his room so he can have complete privacy if he wants it. I'm at my wits end with him. I'm at loss on this one with you, but just know that you are not alone in this fight.

Sarah - posted on 01/21/2010

ive tried books, toys offering to take him to his favorite place for supper after so many times (it worked with learning to pee) stickers and even offering him some marshmellows or cheezies which is his fav snacks but it hasnt worked, he even refuses to use a diaper now, so several times a day he stands in front of the toilet and poops

Carrie - posted on 01/21/2010

Most children have a problem pooping in the potty for some reason. My daughter took months also. It just takes time...and some times a reward and take away system helps. Maybe like get some Hot Wheels and let him have one for pooping in the potty and then if he doesn't go in the potty next time take it back. It worked for a lot of people I know. Or offer a surprise or treat for pooping in the potty!