How long to crack pooing?

[Buttons08]

How long did it take your LO’s to crack pooing on the potty?

My LO will say he needs to poo, happily runs to potty by himself, nothing happens after 10-15 mins so we get back off, then same thing happens 15 mins-30 mins later. Spent nearly 4 hours doing this on-off potty dance today. He clearly feels the need to go for hours as he passes gas, panics, says he wants a cuddle, then rinse and repeat. Wees are reliable now but finding it hard to get out as can’t keep running on and off potty a hundred times when he clearly needs to poo.

What have you tried so far, OP? It sounds like he feels the urge but then is perhaps a bit anxious when he sits on the potty to go?

With my son, we used to blow bubbles, read books about pooing (like peek-a-boo poo), at one point I even started doing puppet shows.

Here’s a link to Eric website with some further tips. It’s great he identifies the feelings in his tummy and makes his way to the bathroom, that’s half the battle. Good luck x

We had the same scenario with our little Toad. She couldn’t “ let go “ when on the loo. It was odd as wees were done like an expert withing 2 days. So we did for a week “ nappy on toilet “. She told us she needs a poo, put the nappy on and sat her on the toilet. Morw or less a getting used to position etc. Always explaining that it isn’t different when dioing it without. On day 7 she came and asked for her poo nappy. We said “ ooooooooops ! Sorry we ran out “. Ran quickly to the loo with her,, didn’t talk about poo but read her a story. And as Elsa turned the world into a frozen wonderland she pooed into the toilet. Huge praise afterwards ( we must have called anyone and Santa to tell the fantastic news ) and never looked back. She is nearly 8 now and will very much enjoy hearing that I posted her long time ago poo success online.

There's nothing wrong at all with running back to the potty umpteen times.

I'd give your child something to eat or drink that would make it more likely to successfully produce a poo - a lot of water as well as prune juice or other 100% fruit juice (not squash or anything with added sugar or sweetener). Apple juice can work well, and so can dried fruits as long as the child drinks A LOT of water.

I'd also consider bribery - a Smartie or M&M for every successful poo, along with big hugs, high fives, a cheery wave off for the poo to the poo party.

Some children are anxious about pooing because it's like losing a part of themselves. Some have a memory of a previous poo that hurt a bit, and they want to avoid that (obv creating a vicious circle but they don't understand that).

What about a big glass of water just before trying? It helps push things through a bit. Or a few little squats like kids yoga might help

@Ladyluckinred Tried reading books, playing with favourite toys, watching iPad whilst on the potty but as soon as the urge gets stronger he doesn’t want the distraction, he tells me to stop reading/playing. Probably so he can focus on holding it in I assume. We’ve talked about poo lots, read books about potty training. We did also try the nappy in the potty as @MumToad has suggested and it didn’t seem to help unfortunately. Maybe I should try it again. Have also used bribes, which has definitely helped get him on board with the idea and seems fine to sit on potty to do a poo until the moment he needs to “let go”.

Also he’s had multiple successful poos on the potty and he’s really proud of himself after, but it doesn’t seem to stop him feeling anxious next time. Unlike when @MumToad ’s DD did one on the toilet and then was fine moving forward.

I think the most important things are to not get too focused on it. Even if he is using a poo nappy for another month. He is half way there and will get the second phase sorted too. Maybe start talking about school. About the fabulous little loos there and how fantastic he will do there all grown up. Do a Potty Dance. We won’t tell and he will laugh. Get the family all singing and dancing when he gets anywhere near the loo.