4 year old not using the toilet for bowl movements

[alexandra10]

My son is 4 years old and refuses to use the toilet for bowl movements.  What can I do? He knows that he is doing something wrong but does not care. I have tried everything

[Sandraorion]

Is he constipated? Is he holding it? I had that with my soon-to-be 4 year old.

Finally, after two years, I had a chat with his pediatrician and he adviced me to put him on MiraLax, a stool softner. We explained to him that the medicine will help his stool be soft and not hurt and started having him sit on the toilet once a day after a meal. Two weeks later he started asking to go when he needed. Had several "didn't quite make it there in time" accidents at the beginning, but we haven't looked back.

[margypops]

Sounds like he could be constipated and at that age they dont understand it, did you ask if his tummy hurt him,hows his eating and his diet, does he get Cereal with fibre in it, and Fruit , Orange Juice can help a lot. Talking is the key here and quietly aswell, ask him gentle questions how his tummy feels.