Potty Training 3 Year Old Son.

Ok...I'm not a doctor but....My son had this same problem. It came from constipation. He was 8 years old and he leaked all the time. One day he changed into his swimming trunks and was walking to the pool and I told him he needed to change his shorts. He cried why these are clean and then looked down and was so embarassed. He really had no idea it was happening. He had to take Miralax once a day and it really worked. The problem is it takes weeks maybe even months to get the muscles down there retrained to work again.

I would talk to a doctor. How can you possibly potty train him if he doesn't have control? You really can't. He'll just end up super frustrated and so will you.

See a doctor :-) Good luck.

A., your son needs to be seen by a doctor. There is the possibility that passing such large stools, and going for so long between times, has done some nerve damage and he may, indeed, not be aware that his bowels are moving. It is definitely not normal for there to be poop in his diaper every single time!

My oldest daughter suffered with constipation from birth until she was 9 years old. We went thru all of the standard remedies at that time from suppositories to enemas to keep it from building up for 10 days at a time. When she did go, it hurt because it was so large, so she would try desperately not to go.

Increase fiber intake and add prune juice to his diet. He may like eating a few of the pitted prunes for a snack. Keep track of how many days he goes without his bowels moving and if it reaches the 3 day point, help him go.

I'll keep you both in my prayers!

Talk to your pediatrician; one of my kids had the same problem and my MD did an ultrasound; he was totally blocked up and there was softer stool oozing around the blockage. He had to be on laxative therapy (milk of magnesia) for 3 months to clean him out and restore muscle tone and retrain his lower bowel. It took 3 days for the MOM to work and the first bm was painful, but I did a lot of talking about how he'd feel so much better, we just had to let the poop medicine work...good luck

A., the shift from constant constipation to hourly pooping is a red flag signaling a trip to the pediatrician now. Lots of kids have constipation, sometimes chronic for a long time, but the fact he has shifted from that to the complete opposite is troubling to me, and the doctor should be asking lots of questions about diet, etc. He may even have food allergies that are causing this constant pooping, which shouldn't be happening. Sounds like what adults call "loose bowels." Write down everything he eats and drinks and see your doctor now. That's the essential first step to potty training -- he cannot be successful at potty training until this physical issue is dealt with. Frankly if your pediatrican blows this off I'd seek another opinion with a different doctor. Good luck.

Speak to you child's doctor. There could be some GI issues or sphincter control issue. Check it out then ask the doctor how to proceed for training that would be best for your son. Good luck.

A.,

For his bowel issues, I would definitely get him to his pediatrician. Regarding potty training, everyone has their own ideas and advice and I will pass on to you the best advice that anyone (and I received a lot) gave me- your son just isn't ready. I know that everyone has their own (very strong) opinions about when boys should be trained, etc., but I will tell you from my experience, it took until my boy was ready for it to click. We had the same issues with wearing a pull up, we tried rewards, sticker charts, talked about his friends who pottied on the toilet, read books, put his stuffed animals on the toilet, and while he was interested, he didn't want to actually do it. Then I talked with a friend who gave me this advice, my husband and I let it it go and literally--voila! We would still very casually, without any emphasis ask him if he wanted to sit on the toilet and one day he said yes, he had to go pee. BTW, my son was 3 and a half when this happened. I'm sure there will be some disgusted gasps from others reading this, whatever. But is was success from that day forward. He was ready.

Good luck to you!

Here is something that me and all my friends used. 2 of them told me to try it and I ahve passed it on. It has not failed yet. You just have to take the diapers away cold turkey. DO not buy any more. He will not like the feeling of going to the bathroom on hisself. Carry extra cloths with you. Pull ups do not work. Its just a less effective diaper that costs alot. You can try this or not but it worked after I tried everything. When we were in public she wet herself once and had to have wet pants until we left the store. She did not like that at all.

A.,
I would personally contact your pediatrician to ask for advice regarding this topic. Since he appears to have bowel issues this could lengthen the time to get him potty trained. I'd work on this NOW especially with another child due in February which will limit your time to REALLY focus on potty training. I'd set that as a goal for yourself to have him potty trained by the time the new baby arrives. But definately contact your M.D. about the frequent bowel movements. It could be his diet that is causing frequent poopies? If his vocabulary is enough to communicate bathroom time, take him in with you or have your husband take him in with him. Teach him when it's time. Taking him every two hours is a start, whether he mentions he has to go or not. Whistling is a good trick to get them to urinate. But it may take a bit longer for the poopie in the potty to happen. But you really should start buckling down now and getting this started. I wouldn't waste any more money on pull ups if he isn't truly ready. I'd reward him when he does go to the potty with a treat or something special (Nothing too wild/expensive, etc) just a little "something" from the kitchen or special T.V. time for him. Get creative but most definately get crackin' on it ASAP!
Take care and be gentle and patient. This can be quite frustrating at times but you'll make it happen! :o)
H.

My son is over 3 and we are still working on potty training. We have tried to do a schedule. First when waking sit your child on the potty. Don't say anything just do it and maybe it won't have to to be a big deal. Then again after breakfast, etc., We have also tried to let our son go without anything on his bottom when we are hanging around the house so he will be more inclined to use the potty. They work but we just have to be more disciplined to keep up the routine.

Hi A.,

Constipation problems web site:

http://www.babycenter.co.uk/baby/health/constipationexpert/

Potty Training web sites:

http://www.parentingtoddlers.com/pottytraining.html

http://babyparenting.about.com/cs/potty-training/f/readin...

Hope this helps. D.

A.,
This can be a trying time, and easy to take it personally.
You are doing your best. As a self employed mom myself, I know some of the issues you face.
I never had any bowel issues with my son.
Saying that, summer time is the best time to potty train.
Many people play with their children outside for part of the day with bottoms off. That way, it's easier to handle. Wash ups are easier as well. Prob. makes sense to do this on a weekend if that is when you both are home away from work.
See if this makes sense. I'd also suggest seeking help from a developmental pediatrician.
Good luck,
L.

My friends son had this problem and sought medical help. Her son is 11 and wasn't feeling the "need" to poop. It is a serious issue that you need to discuss with your dr.