Resistant Potty Training

[jrk]

Please help.  My daughter is 3 1/2 years old and refuses to sit on the potty to poop.  She is an only child and attends pre school 2 mornings per week. We have had good success with pee-peeing and occasional success with the pooping.  After having a stomach virus with loose stools several months ago, we reluctantly used pull- ups during that week long period.  After that, we seemed to go down hill with any succes at all with pooping.  We have noticed that she often does not want to stop playing with toys to take the time to try.  I have offered incentives (treats, presents, etc.) She seems excited about the rewards and every day she promises to poop in the potty but we have not had any luck. She will do this in her panties or upon waking with a pull up.  She is not "regular" with when she goes which is difficult.  She will sit for a story for up to 10 minutes each day to "try".  I feel ceratin that we have stressed her out about the whole pooping scenerio and quite frankly- it is stressing us all out.  She is very strong willed.  Any tips are appreciated.
Thank you,
jrk

[danie1015]

A related discussion, frustrated was started.

[Schnecky]

there is a site that i went to for the potty training it says that you can potty train your child in one day. the site is www.drphil.com  I'm not sure if it works i haven't had a full day to potty train my 2 1/2 yr ols son but it does say it works and it gives directions.

[klcmomof3]

I just wanted to comment that your situation sounds IDENTICAL to mine! My son is almost 3-1/2 but is the youngest of 3 children. I have tried EVERYTHING! He also attends preschool and I feel awful that they occasionally have to change him. All of the other children are potty trained. He even sees my other two children (5 and 8) do it. He always agrees with me every day that he will go in the potty and not in his underwear, but as soon as he gets busy playing, he forgets. I'm at my wits end with this. He's pooped in the potty before and knows it doesn't hurt, is easier, cleaner, etc. but for some reason will not do it. He is very strong-willed so people tell me that this is his way of being in control. They also say that he won't go to kindergarten in diapers, but I'm not so sure. If you find anything that works, please let me know.
Thanks!
Kelly, Mom of 3 in Ohio

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You are correct in thinking that if you apply too much pressure, or display that you are overly invested in your daughter's mastering toilet training, it will interfere with this accomplishment. Continue to support her by way of gentle encouragement and rewards, and continue with periods of sitting on the potty. If you haven't already done so, utilize video tapes and children's stories about this topic. As much as possible, be patient and supportive - it will get done in due time. Particularly with strong willed children, but actually with children in general, pressuring will not be helpful.