Hello. I feel quite desperate for advice. My DS1 has done ok with toilet training - we started in July so of course its all still very new. He's got the hang of wees and like so many others experience, the poos have been tricky. I'm seeking advice as things are deteriorating and I wondered what I could do before/ prevent things getting more problematic.
He hops around like a space hopper hoping his poos will go away - hes able to say that he is worrying about the poos and I think the trigger was one incident where he witheld, got constipated, it hurt when he pooed and then became more fearful of next-time etc. He learnt to recognise the feeling of the poo needing to come and has just become totally fearful.
Poor bubby shakes and is totally terrified, hopping around, holding things in for as long as he can till his body takes over. At this point he is screaming, crying and so distressed until the poo has come in his pants and I've cleaned him up and we've waved it down the toilet. I've offered him a pull up or nappy instead and he insists on the pants? I just hold him and tell him its ok as he is just so terrified I feel like crying in empathy but do my best to keep the reassuring-mummy face, on.
Ive tried stickers, poo box with wrapped presents, repeated reading of poo goes to pooland and peek-a-poo and not giving him attention when he hops around telling him he is the boss, he knows what to do etc.
I'm getting nervous when we're out and about/ at nursery/ i'm at work etc. Feel like our lives our getting ruled by when he has/n't pooed. I know these things are a process that go back and forward and take time (and appreciate it can take A LOT longer), but really value advice/ tips/ ideas to help him or prevent things getting worse? Thanks everyone.