For some parents, one of the most difficult parts of toilet training is teaching a toddler to have a bowel movement in the potty. Even children who regularly urinate in the potty may resist having a bowel movement. The training process may be frustrating at times, but you should stay calm and support your child until he masters using the potty.
Equipment
You can purchase a small potty chair for your child or opt for a potty seat that sits on top of the adult toilet to make it more accommodating. Let your child sit on the potty seat or toilet with her pants on to get familiar with the process. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends parents show toddlers bowel movements in the toilet and allow them to flush the waste away. Transfer bowel movements from a diaper to the toilet to show your child where they go, or if you are using a potty chair, empty the diaper in the potty chair and then into the toilet.
Timing
Take note of the time of day your child usually has a bowel movement so you can encourage him to use the potty around this time. Most children have a bowel movement once a day, generally within an hour after eating a meal, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If your child hides or makes a certain facial expression when he has a bowel movement in his diaper, watch for these signs and encourage him to sit on the potty instead. It may help him relax and stay seated if you read to him while he is on the potty.
Setbacks
It is common for children to have accidents during and even after toilet training. If your child is having a hard time, she may just not be ready. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many children are ready to train between 18 and 24 months of age, but some may be 30 months or older before they're ready. Even if your child is ready, it may take several months for her to be completely trained after you start the process. Praise your child when she is successful, but do not scold her for accidents. You may find it helpful and less messy to put your child in disposable training pants until she can consistently use the potty.
Complications
Talk to your child's doctor if he regularly refuses to have bowel movements. Children can sometimes become constipated from withholding stool during toilet training. This can make bowel movements painful, which may cause him to fear using the potty. Also make sure your toddler gets enough fiber-rich foods and fluids if you suspect he is constipated.
