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Toilet regression - 3 year old - ADVICE PLEASE

2 replies

Chocoletta · 09/10/2023 18:04

Looking for some advice please. My DS is 3 and will be 4 in 3 months time. He has been happily toilet trained from when he turned 3. He has never had an issue with doing poos and would use both potty and toilet and happy to do a big 'plop'! However, he has regressed in the last 3-4weeks and I just don't understand why. He keeps soiling his pants, sometimes significantly, and then refuses to go for a poo on the toilet/potty. He says he can't get it out. When he does do something, it is always soft so I don't think he is constipated. He seems to not want to go and tries to hold it in. I have asked him why but he just says he doesn't know how to get it out. I've pointed out that he has always done poos on the potty/toilet before and the importance of this to make sure he stays clean. His tummy feels soft. He goes to preschool 3 days a week and does poo there although they say he is hesitant. I'm at a loss as to what to do. Is this normal at this age?

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TinyTeacher · 09/10/2023 18:50

Are there any big changes in his life? That can often cause regressions.

Otherwise 4 is often an age for irrational fears. My eldest stopped using the downstairs loo at that age, having been totally fine with it before. Didn't find out for a year or was because she didn't like the window being behind her (it's a small high one)

Saffyatheart · 09/10/2023 18:55

Don't have any useful advice but I had just the same with my DC aged 3.5, so you have my full sympathy! I read a thread on here at the time and someone commented that it's normal, not to show your frustration with them, make little of it and before you know it they'll just get over it and back to using the toilet. And that's exactly what happened! DC will be 4 soon and no further issues! Good luck x

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