Ah, the moment every parent dreams of—your little one has finally mastered potty training! After a weekend filled with encouragement and maybe a few accidents, you’re ready to toss that last diaper. You feel a wave of pride, and your child is beaming with joy. Perhaps you even celebrated with a little treat for them and a well-deserved glass of wine for yourself.
But wait! Your child might happily pee in the potty, yet when it comes to pooping, they suddenly freeze. Maybe they refuse to go at all.
This was my reality. I genuinely believed I was the only parent dealing with a child who wouldn’t poop on the potty. My son had taken to peeing like a champ, and I assumed pooping would follow suit. Yet, it became clear that this was a whole different ballgame. He just wouldn’t do it. Thankfully, he had impressive control, so rather than accidents, he simply held it in. Not ideal.
With my pediatrician’s guidance, who assured me that this phase would pass, I reluctantly had to reintroduce diapers for him to poop in. This phase lasted longer than I anticipated, including some creative solutions like cutting a hole in the bottom of his diaper so he could sit on the potty while still wearing it. If I survived that, I felt I could conquer anything. Here are some insights I gathered along the way during this challenging journey:
1. Encourage Pooping, Even if it Means Regression
A tricky cycle often emerges when kids withhold poop. They hold it in, leading to stomach aches and discomfort when they finally do go. This pain can make them reluctant to poop again. You need to find a way to get them to poop—whether that means going back to diapers or trying something else.
2. Gentle Laxatives Can Be Helpful
Again, the key is to get them to poop. Consider gentle laxatives recommended by your doctor or explore dietary options. We found success with prunes and adding flaxseed oil to fruit smoothies.
3. Consult a Professional if You’re Unsure
One day, I panicked and took my son to the pediatrician after discovering blood in his stool (yikes!). Thankfully, it was just fissures from withholding, and my pediatrician reassured me that making the experience as comfortable as possible was the way forward. This issue is more common than you might think, especially among boys, so don’t hesitate to seek help.
4. You’re Not Alone in This Struggle
I felt isolated, thinking my son was the only one holding onto his poop. It’s surprisingly common, and many parents face similar challenges. It’s comforting to know that you’re not alone in this battle.
5. This Phase Will Eventually End
Diapers are now a thing of the past, and my son’s pooping has normalized. It was all about adjustment, and he needed more time than I expected to feel comfortable pooping outside of a diaper. Every child is different, so offer your kid the extra time, a few more diapers, and some prunes. Don’t compare your child’s progress to others; chances are, countless kids struggle with poop issues too.
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In summary, it’s normal for some kids to struggle with pooping on the potty, and as a parent, you’re not alone in this journey. Give your child the patience and support they need, and take comfort in knowing that this phase will pass.
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