POTTY TRAINING DIFFICULTY

MY DAUGHTER REFUSES TO HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT IN THE POTTY. SHE IS 3 1/2 YEARS OLD AND WE HAVE BEEN SOLID TRAINING HER FOR 5 MONTHS. SHE HAS HAD BOWEL MOVEMENTS IN THE POTTY BUT IT WAS WITH MY HUSBAND AND MY COAXING. SHE DOES NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE OTHER, UNLESS WE MAKE PROGRESS WITH BOWEL MOVEMENTS. SHE SEEMS TO DO ONE OR THE OTHER BUT MOSTLY JUST "WEE WEE".  SHE KNOWS WHERE TO GO, BUT INSTEAD SHE WILL HOLD IT OR GO IN HER PANTIES. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. WE ALWAYS USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (TOYS, CANDY, MONEY, M & M'S, MOVIES, PRAISE, PRAISE AND MORE PRAISE). DOES ANYONE HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM OR AN ANSWER???? PLEASE HELP!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You've likely already heard this advice, but it is nonetheless appropriate. Be patient and supportive and encouraging, without injecting too much pressure into the situation. Your daughter is showing signs of progress, and development will run its course in due time. It's not time to panic, it's time to stay the course and remain calm.