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Potty Training gone wrong
My son is turning 3 this July.
We started potty training him few weeks back.
Now he not only still refuses to use potty/bathroom to poop, but also stopped pooping in diaper -- he stopped pooping completely cause he is scared or paranoid ~ please advise
Answers (6)
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Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), FELLOWSHIP IN NEONATOLOGY ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
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It is common for children to develop "stool withholding" during potty training due to fear or a previous painful experience. Focus on keeping his stool soft through high-fiber foods and hydration to ensure bowel movements aren't scary or painful. Temporarily pause active potty training and allow him to use diapers for pooping to reduce his anxiety and prevent chronic constipation. Establish a relaxed, non-pressured routine and use positive reinforcement rather than punishment. If he goes several days without a movement or seems in significant pain, consult a pediatrician to rule out any other cause
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This is a common potty training phase and usually behavioral/stool withholding due to fear. Do not force or punish him for potty training for few days. Let him relax and even use diaper temporarily if needed so fear decreases. Ensure stools remain soft with good water, fruits and fiber intake. Praise and encourage gently without pressure.
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There should be some reason to refuse. Observe if there is any pain or redness and bleeding while passing stool. Otherwise it only requires gentle conversation and convincing the child with good parent child relationship.
Next Steps
Child requires physical examination to find the reason.
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Looks like there is stools withholding due to negative association caused by the pain and fear anxiety
For few days stop potty training use diaper only
Us stool softener for few days
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Dr. Amit P Ghawade
Pediatrician
16 yrs exp
Pune
This sounds like classic stool withholding behavior triggered by potty-training stress/anxiety, which is very common around age 2–3 years. The child likely had a negative association (fear of potty/toilet, pain, pressure), and is now intentionally withholding stools, which can quickly worsen into constipation and make the fear cycle stronger.
Next Steps
Stop active potty training temporarily (2–6 weeks):
Remove pressure completely. Allow stooling in diaper if needed—this is not a setback, it is treatment.
Prevent constipation aggressively:
If stools are hard/infrequent, start a stool softener (commonly PEG 3350/macrogol) as per pediatrician guidance. Goal = soft daily stool. Painful stools reinforce fear.
Return to “no-pressure” routine:
Sit on potty/toilet 5 minutes after meals (gastrocolic reflex)
Feet supported on stool/footrest
No forcing, no prolonged sitting
Positive reinforcement only:
Sticker chart, praise for trying/sitting, not only for pooping.
Normalize and validate:
Tell parents: “He is not being stubborn—he is anxious/scared.”
Diet & hydration:
Increase water, fruits (pear/prune/papaya), vegetables, fiber.
Red flags needing evaluation:
3–4 days no stool
Abdominal pain/distension, vomiting
Blood in stool/fissure
Weight loss or poor growth
Reassurance: Most children improve well with patience + stool softening + removing pressure. Avoid punishment or repeated reminders.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.