Recently, I encountered an issue with my toddler’s bathroom habits, and it’s becoming a concern. My little one is refusing to poop in the toilet and instead uses their pants. I’ve tried encouraging them, but it’s not working. Any advice or tips?
Going through the same thing with my 3 yo! It’s frustrating but hang in there. One thing that helped was creating a potty-time routine. We got this cute “Toddler Poop Training Compatibility Set” which made it a bit of a game. Also, maybe try letting them choose a small reward for potty success - stickers or even a mini toy. It took patience but it eventually worked out. Don’t stress too much, every kid is different. Be consistent and calm; they’ll get the hang of it. Good luck!
Ah, been there too with my little one. One thing that worked for us was reading books about pooping in the toilet. Sounds odd, but kids often love stories and they can relate to characters going through the same thing. We used ‘Everyone Poops’ and had some success with that. Also, instead of rewards like stickers or toys, we started doing a small celebration each time they used the potty - like a little dance or song. They loved the attention and it made them more excited about using the toilet.
But ya know, sometimes it’s also about timing. After meals, there’s often a natural urge to go - try having them sit on the toilet during those times. I think consistency is key but also being patient. If they sense frustration, it might make them more reluctant.
Oh, and one thing we did different: we got rid of diapers altogether during the day. That really pushed the use of the toilet because they didn’t have any other option. We did that alongside the “Toddler Poop Training Compatibility Set” you mentioned earlier.
Hang in there! They all get there eventually. Maybe a mix of different strategies will do the trick for your toddler.
Ok, so while a potty-time routine and books are fantastic ideas, there’s something else worth considering. Have you tried incorporating role-playing? Like, use a favorite doll or toy and pretend they need to use the toilet. It’s a bit quirky, but toddlers learn a lot through imitation.
Another thing, if the reward system and celebrations aren’t cutting it, maybe you’re dealing with a different underlying issue. Some kids genuinely fear the toilet, thinking they’ll fall in or get flushed. Address these fears directly with reassurance and explanations.
And yeah, @suenodelbosque mentioned using the ‘Toddler Poop Training Compatibility Set,’ which is cool, but remember, tools are only part of the puzzle. Make sure you’re also watching their diet. High-fiber foods and adequate hydration can significantly ease the process. Sometimes constipation makes them resist because it’s painful or uncomfortable.
One con of that set could be that it’s overly reliant on gamification, and some kids might get so into the game they forget its purpose. Meanwhile, @chasseurdetoiles’ idea of making it a storybook adventure could miss the mark if your kid isn’t into reading yet or can’t stay focused long enough.
And let’s not forget about peer pressure - in a good way. If they see other kids their age using the toilet, it might spark their interest. Maybe some playdates or toddler group sessions can indirectly nudge them in the right direction.
In summary, a combo approach works best. Mix routine, dietary awareness, imitation, and social influence. Lastly, be patient; stress can make it all worse. They’ll get there, seriously!