Toilet Training for Bowel Movements

Some children are scared of bowel movement potty training.

Parents of toddlers frequently become exhausted and overwhelmed when the time to toilet train arrives. A child who was once amicable and joyous suddenly becomes irritable and refuses to cooperate, or the child quickly becomes partially potty trained but refuses to eliminate in the toilet. There are several ways to make bowel movement toilet training a smooth transition for both children and parents.

Signs of Readiness

Most children begin to demonstrate signs of toilet training readiness between 18 months and 24 months of age, though many children do not potty train until they are older. Watch your child for signs that he is ready to begin potty training. Signs include hiding or acting embarrassed when he has a bowel movement, the verbal ability to tell you before he eliminates, interest in the toilet and the ability to pull his pants on and off.

Preparation

Verbally prepare your child that he is going to use the toilet, rather than a diaper, to have a bowel movement. Read a book together about potty training and explain to your child that everyone has to eliminate. Many children are uncomfortable or embarrassed at the idea of having a bowel movement in the toilet, so remind your child that he is normal and it is a safe, natural thing to do.

Using the Toilet

You may allow your child to sit on the regular toilet to have a bowel movement or purchase a small training potty for him. Some parents also choose to use a small "training seat" that fits inside the adult size potty. The training seat prevents the child from falling into the toilet while sitting. Make your decision based on what your child is comfortable with. The adult toilet may seem overwhelmingly large to your child and if he is unable to sit comfortably on the toilet, he may have difficulty eliminating. If your child tells you he needs to poop, bring him to the toilet or training potty and sit him on it. Ask him if he wants to look at a book or magazine while he uses the toilet. This will make him feel like a "big boy" and may help him to feel more at ease.

Fears

Some children fear having a bowel movement on the toilet. If your child appears to be upset or scared at the idea of using the toilet to eliminate, especially if he is already comfortable urinating in the toilet, talk to your child about the fear. If your child is constipated or has recently had diarrhea, he may be afraid of the pain associated with elimination. Your child may also be afraid of the sounds and feelings associated with a bowel movement and may fear he is "losing" a part of himself. Help your child by being overly friendly when he uses the potty. Remind him that he is a "big boy" and doing a "good job." When your child is finished, wave bye-bye to the "doo-doo" and let him flush the toilet. This will give your child a small amount of closure and enable him to relax.

Expert Insight

Edward R. Christophersen, Ph.D. recommends that parents have their child sit on the toilet several times each day. Do not pressure your child to have a bowel movement each time you bring him to the toilet, but help him get used to regularly sitting down on the potty.

References

• FamilyDoctor.org: Toilet Training Your Child
• Baby Center: Won't Have a Bowel Movement on the Potty
• Kid's Health: Toilet Teaching Your Child