Name: Sara H.
Location: Waverly, OH
Number of kids: 1
Ages of kids: 4
Problem: My Son is four and is dry almost all the time but still has all his Bowel movements in his pants, what do I do? He was showing a big interest in potty training at age two. I was looking forward to not having to change and rinse diapers anymore. Now two years later I am still at it. I have tried major bribes (new toys). I have done the dances around the house when he "pooped in the potty". I have put him in the shower and made him clean himself up afterwards. I have spanked, I have scolded, but nothing works.
Solution submitted by "Jo" of TX:My youngest son is now 5, but when he was 3 I was having the same problem. At the time he was attending a Child Development Center which actually became the solution to the problem. I think it was a matter of maturity, but one day he realized that the other children in his class, his peers, were all using the potty and NOT having accidents in their pants. It seemed like a light went on or something, but once he realized this, he immediately started using the potty all the time. The fact is he didn't want to be different, and he realized that he WAS different, and it suddenly bothered him! So maybe a little peer pressure CAN be good at times!
Another solution submitted by Toni of NY:We found that what works is to remove his underwear and pants so that he feels he has to use the potty rather than soil the floor and himself. (This is when at home; he holds it in when he's at pre-school.)
Another solution submitted by DLynne of AZ: My youngest was the same way. What worked for me was to connect something he wanted to do with having his BM in the toilet. My son wanted to pick out his own treat at the corner store. I told him that every time he went in the toilet we would go to the store and he could get his own treat. Three weeks later he was completely trained and hasn't had a BM in his pants in 6 mos. This would work with going to the park, renting his own movie, etc.
Another solution submitted by Elsie of CA: Try his favorite candy.....Pay attention to when he usually goes potty, and try to get him to the john 10 minutes or so before he usually goes. Bring a book and a BIG bag of candy and let him know he gets a handful if he goes in the john and not in his pants. Be prepared to read to him or better yet, encourage him to read (or at least look) at the books while he is waiting. Make it worth his effort!!! If this still isn't working, you may want to check with his pediatrician as he may have a physical reason.
Please submit any more solutions to this problem.