bowel trouble

[chazak]

my daughter is 3 and a half and has trouble going to the toilet she would have regular bowel accidents in her underwear but holds her bowel movements in.  I dont think that this is a madical condition but just need some advice on how to get her into the habit of doing her bowel movements in the toilet.  Can you please help me with this as this is a last resort..thankyou

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It's best not to assume that there is no medical concern. rather, it is prudent to rule that out first and then procedd with other considerations. If all is well medically, at her age the best approach is a reward system whereby she receives a modest reward when she uses the potty. In addition, have her sit on the potty at intervals (based on your knowledge of when she is more apt to have abowel movement). As an aside, I'm assuming the height and weight ( 24 inches, 2 kg) reported in your note are not accurate - is that right?

[chazak]

no problem thanks very much for ur help kevin

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The reward system is not something that you use and then discard. Keep on using it.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Continue with the supportive approach, and utilize children's story books and videos about potty training. these tend to enhance interest and motivation.

[chazak]

thats right they are not accurate but i have already used the reward system and haf praised her when sitting on the toilet.  Is there anything else i can do???