What to Do If Your Child Is Fearful of Using the Potty

For many youngsters, pooping in the potty is a frightening experience. The whole procedure can be rather frightening, between the surprise of what happens when it meets the water and the various sensations a youngster may experience during the event. And for children who have had bad pooping experiences in the past or who have sensory difficulties, this body process can be frightening. If you have a toddler who is terrified to defecate on the potty, consider these suggestions to help them feel more at ease.

Withholding Treats to Help Your Toddler Poop on the Potty

When children have pooping fear, one of our first instincts as parents and caregivers is to come up with inventive ways to induce them to defecate on the potty. However, we must first treat any underlying physiological hurdles that are stopping them from succeeding.

Constipation is one of the most serious problems associated with toddler pooping. Constipation, as we all know, is inconvenient. When you add in the requirement to practice a new skill like doing it on the potty, it’s a recipe for anxiety.

Constipation can occur for a variety of causes. Still, one thing we frequently see throughout the potty-training months (and years) is youngsters withholding their poop to avoid having to use the potty. If left untreated, withholding can become a vicious cycle, causing even more grief and pain. To get things moving, parents sometimes have to resort to suppositories or oral laxatives.

The first thing you should do is make sure they have normal bowel movements. Children should go to the bathroom at least once a day, although some may go every other day. You may need to take a break from potty training to get them on a healthy routine. It’s more important to get them used to pooping again than where they do it. So, if your child prefers to poo in diapers, go back to that until you see that their bowel habits have returned to normal.

Diet and hydration should be prioritized.

Cute 2-year-old Asian toddler baby boy child holding and drinking a glass of water by himself against a green background near the house garden, the finest beverages for a child’s health concept

Keep them hydrated with plenty of water to keep their bowels as happy and healthy as possible. If you notice they have infrequent bowel movements, consider adding prune juice to their water every morning. Make certain that the addition does not deter them from drinking.

Then there’s the matter of what they eat. We all know that toddler diets may be picky at times, and the things that appeal to them aren’t always the healthiest. Try to increase their fibre intake as much as possible. Fiber-rich foods include:

·       Pears \sBerries

·       Apples

·       Bananas \sAvocados

·       Carrots

·       Broccoli

·       Brussels sprouts (Brussels sprouts)

·       Kale and other leafy greens

·       Legumes

·       Oats \sNuts

Sweet potatoes are a type of potato that is used

Avoid abruptly increasing their fibre intake, since this might cause bloating and discomfort. Instead, take it slowly and, if necessary, find methods to be inventive. Smoothies, for example, are a terrific method to hide kale and avocados, or you may draw interesting pictures on their plates with a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Breakfast porridge for kids with fresh berries is amusing.

Feeding Schedules Should Be Followed Consistently

Regulating your food schedule is a part of maintaining healthy bowel habits. Most toddlers, if left to their own devices, would snack throughout the day. Snacking, on the other hand, can upset the bowels.

A mother is feeding her child.

Because toddlers’ stomachs digest food fast due to their small stature, instead of allowing snacking between three big meals, serve 4-6 smaller meals with a variety of foods. The goal is to introduce your child to a range of fiber and protein sources while reducing nibbling on crackers and other similar foods.

Getting your child on a regular feeding schedule will help them manage their bowels. As a result, you and your child will have a greater chance of anticipating and preparing for bowel movements because they will most likely occur at the same time every day.

Recognize and Accept Their Fears

Inside a bedroom, a young mother talks to her unhappy toddler son.

Children require their parents to address their anxieties and concerns. Snuggle up to your youngster and ask them why they are afraid to use the potty. If they don’t respond, you could want to ask questions like “Does it hurt?” or “Do you mind seeing it in the potty?”

When they do tell you what scares them, don’t discount their concerns; instead, say something like, “I can see why you’re concerned about that.” “We will work together so that you feel comfortable the next time you need to go,” you can say after that.

Choosing a Gradual Exposure Approach is a good option.

When children are afraid of using the potty, they may prefer to poop in a certain location in the house, which is rarely the bathroom. You can use this step-by-step method to help children get more comfortable using the toilet. (Before moving on, let your youngster grow quite comfortable with each phase.) Be aware that this is not going to be a quick process.)

Step 1: Let them go to the bathroom and poop in their diaper/pull-up.

Begin by teaching them to prefer pooping in the bathroom over pooping anywhere else. After that, clean them up in the bathroom and, if possible, flush their feces down the toilet. If they flush it themselves, they get bonus points. Give them a modest token of your appreciation, such as a few chocolate chips, a sticker, or a fun game to play together. Let them know how proud you are of their efforts if they do this. If the restroom is too frightening, pick a location in the house where you may both poop in their diapers.

Step 2: Have them poop in a diaper or pull up by the toilet.

To encourage children to stand and even touch the potty while pooping, place a fun book or a few toys on the toilet lid.

Step 3: Have them poop in their diaper or pull up on the potty.

This stage may be difficult to convince them of, but you can increase your price here to entice them. You can try pre-cutting a hole in the diaper so that the feces fall into the toilet once they’ve become used to pooping in it while sitting on the potty.

Step 4: Remove their diaper but keep their hands on their hips.

As babies take this momentous stride, they might comfort themselves by holding their hips, where their diaper is usually wrapped around them. They won’t be able to go every time they attempt but give them a tiny incentive for each effort to encourage them to continue the good practise. Even adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet water can make the experience more enjoyable and encourage them to repeat it.

Is there still no luck?

Fears of poop might be difficult to overcome. And it’s something that your youngster is unlikely to get over for several weeks if not months. However, if your child is sad or distressed, or if progress is slow despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek help from your child’s pediatrician or a potty training specialist.

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