I see some real similarities in what you are going through with what we went through with our son! You've probably already tried this but something that worked for us was to create a very simple little chart that we kept in the bathroom. Every time he poops in the potty he put a sticker on the chart, peeing didn't count, only poops. After a certain number of checks or stickers on the chart he was able to get his reward. We used a mystery bag that he reached into. It added an element of anticipation that seemed to motivate hiim.
Sounds too easy doesn't it? It wasn't but with some time and consistency it worked for our little guy. I know how frustrating this can get, but I also had to remember that the more stressed out I got about it, the more he seemed to resist. Be careful of power struggles and never hesitate to talk to your son's care provider. It's a very common thing...as you well know!
Thanks so much for the advice. The school is pretty good about accidents, but if it was an every day thing it would be a problem. Now that I think of it he never goes in his pants if we're out, no matter how long we're gone he always waits until we get home. Hopefully this will be the case with school.
He turned 4 today and thinks he's quite the big boy Thanks again!!
Hi there. Does your son poop regularly when he's at home? Is it possible that he will hold it while he's at school and then wait till he comes home? Many preschool kids won't poop at school but will do so (either in the potty or in diapers/Pull-ups) when they get home. Eventually they learn to feel comfortable pooping in the potty no matter where they are, home or school.
If your son has some delays, including potty training, you might also be able to talk to your pediatrician to see if he/she can discuss your child's issue with the school; they may be able to make some kind of exception for him based on medical reasons.
My youngest son will be 4 years old in just a few days and will be starting Pre school in a couple of weeks. He has been peeing in the potty and wearing big boy undies since he was 2. No accidents at all, not even at night. The problem is he WONT poop in the potty. It's very important that he attends pre school as he is enrolled in an extensive speech program they offer. (It's common for children with speech problems to be delayed in potty training as well.)Although his vocabulary is a bit behind he has full mental capacity and is aware of his urges. I'm so worried that we may be asked to remove him from school due to this problem. I encourage him and try rewards of all kinds. I'm out of ideas and desperate for help!!
