Health Tips

In this post, we will be discussing on the challenges faced regarding potty training.

Toddler refuses to use potty?

It is possible that your child is not ready for potty training yet. Give him another month or two, before attempting again.

However, if your child has most of the signs stated in the checklist above, this is what you can do:

Set up a comfortable environment

Show it to your child that there is nothing scary about the toilet. As embarrassing as it can be, you may want to keep your toilet door open when you do your business too. This reassures him that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Subsequently, place his potty in the toilet next to the toilet bowl. Get him to sit down with you once he is comfortable being in the toilet. Have his favourite toys or books nearby to make him feel at ease too.

Get your child to eat healthily

You must be wondering, what does eating healthy have to do with potty training?

Well, if your child is constipated and has been passing out hard stools all these while, do you think he would be comfortable sitting on the potty?

Constipation itself may be a cause as passing out hard stools can cause pain. Getting your child to eat an adequate amount of fibre does help to relieve constipation.

Get your child interested

If your child likes to read, then read him books related to the toilet training. Let him grasp the concept of using the toilet with colour pictures and stories.

If your child is not the reader-type, getting toys to simulate the scenario is beneficial too. Once your child has an idea about a toilet, it would make potty training an easier process.

My child won't poop on potty!

Yes, that happens! And very often, very frustrating too but do not let that get to you.

Remember, you are dealing with a toddler, and the approach is different as compared to an older child.

Therefore, you may want to consider doing this one step at a time.

• Identify the time your child poops.
• Get your child to poop with his diapers on in the toilet.
• Next, get him to poop with the diapers on while seated on the potty.
• After that, let him know that you will loosen the strap of the diapers.
• He will still get to poop into the diapers, with the diapers overlying the potty.
• Do that a couple of times before removing the diapers completely.
• You can reinforce each step by rewarding him with a star, sticker or cookie.

Can potty training cause constipation?

Yes, it does. If not done correctly, potty training can lead to constipation.

Why?

If your child is receiving too much pressure from your end, he may end up feeling all stressed up and will refuse to sit on the potty. In return, your child has a greater tendency to hold his bowels which leads to constipation.

Remember to give your child the time he needs to potty train. The earlier you potty train your child, the longer the time he takes to acquire the skill.

Image credit:

1. https://famfrenzy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/potty.jpg
2. https://www.todaysparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/is-your-kid-afraid-to-poop1280x960.jpg

In collaboration with Ethissa.

Written by

Dr Eric Siew