Castor oil used to be a popular tool for potty training because it loosens stools and makes it easier for children to go to the bathroom. However, this method can backfire and cause children to become more resistant to potty training. When castor oil is used to frequently, it can cause gastrointestinal problems and dehydration. Consequently, castor oil or mineral oil should not be used as primary tools for potty training, and you should only give them to your child at the request of your pediatrician.
Problems With Control
Some children react to the stress of potty training by refusing to have a bowel movement at all. This is their attempt to regain control of the situation. When this occurs, parents should abort potty training attempts for a few weeks and then try again. Though giving a child castor oil can make it more difficult for him to hold bowel movements, it also robs the child of control. This may be psychologically damaging. Further, the child may simply go in his pants or diaper rather than the toilet in an attempt to regain some control over the potty training process.
Castor Oil Frequency
Even if a child is willing to have a bowel movement in the potty after taking castor oil, this approach is not a sustainable one. Children cannot have castor oil every time they need to use the restroom. Further, it's difficult for parents to predict when children need to have a bowel movement, so they may inaccurately time the dosing of the castor oil. Perhaps most troubling, if castor oil is the sole method of potty training parents use, children may grow dependent on it. If this occurs, a child might not be able to have a bowel movement without castor oil.
Bowel Problems
Castor oil causes loose stools, which is why many parents use it to encourage bowel movements. Though it is an excellent tool when a child is constipated, children with normal bowel functioning should never be given castor oil. When children take castor oil solely for the purposes of potty training, they may develop diarrhea. This leads to discomfort and dehydration. Children who associate potty training with diarrhea and discomfort may become more resistant to the process.
Better Methods
Pediatrician and author William Sears recommends allowing children to have some control over potty training. If a child is resistant to the process, try again in a few weeks. Reward-based systems that praise children's successes and ignore their failures work much better than attempts to force children to use the bathroom. Potty training is often a long process, so expect several steps backward before your child is completely in control of her bowels and bladder.
References
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, et al.; 2008
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, et al.; 2011
- "Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 8th Edition"; Benjamin Spock; 2004
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child"; Lynn R. Marotz; 2011
