Poo problems

[Bonzo 2000]

Our son turns 3 later this month and has recently got to grips with alerting us to when a pee is required. Almost without fail, he now performs well on the potty, usually to much applause and cheering. However, his wee bowels sem to perform every day at almost the same time, at which point he retreats to his room or some quiet corner to let go in his pants. Despite our gentle encouragement to do it on the potty or toilet, he forcibly tells us to go away. Any tips on how to gain poo success with match the accomplished pee procedures?

[andy hughes]

Don't panic - this sense of privacy during bowel movements is perfectly normal - all children do this, it's part of the process of learning about potty training. Give him time, and he will come to use the potty for his bowel movements as well. Keep up the praise, and encouragement, and be patient.

[Felecity]

I find a lovely cup of warm tea loosens me up. You could try that?

[Bonzo 2000]

Many thanks Andy - thats encouraging. I've appreciated several of your knowledgeable answers on here - are you a childcare professional, or much more importantly - an experinced Dad?

[Lindy Loo]

How about a trainer seat for the loo? He'll have his own 'special seat' and may respond to this plus get the idea of 'going to the loo' just like mum and dad! Good luck

[FP]

Leave him on his own with the potty or on the toilet and in the bathroom with the door almost closed. Even give him a book to look at whilst he is there! We had the same trouble with our son, until we realised, as Andy has said, that he just wanted privacy. We would not like to be in a room with other people when using the loo, so it is understandable that youngsters feel the same. Come to think of it, even my dogs go off into a corner on their own to perform!

[zgma]

Maybe if he likes to go into his room to poo, you could put a trainer potty in his room. Don't push it, just put it in there where he can see it. Maybe that will help him get the idea. Then if he uses it, give him some special treat, like a sticker. Another suggestion, if you know the time he's going to have a bowel movement, is you can get him on the potty a little earlier than that, and read books to him until he has to poo... have him already on the potty BEFORE he knows he needs to do it. Good luck! Our 2 year old is starting to get the idea of peeing in the potty, but just like your son, won't use it for bowel movements.

[Scarlett]

My nephew had this problem. Try sitting him on the potty whilst having a poo (in his nappy). Then gradually cut a hole in the nappy, so it goes in the potty (or loo). Clap and cheer when it goes in the right place! This totally worked for him.

[andy hughes]

Hi Bonzo, thanks for your kind words. I am an experienced Dad - three daughters, one grand-daughter, and a grandsdon on the way, so I've learned from them. I am also fortunate that my wife is an ex-Primary School Head Teacher, and my two older daughters work in child care, so anything I don't know, they do!