Why won't my 3 1/2 year old sit down to poo?

[COR83]

Hello, I'm really hopeful this community can help. My 3 1/2 year old still wears a nappy at night. He's been holding his poo in until he gets a nappy on, and we'd hoped to encourage hum out of this habit during lockdown. However, he gets really distressed about sitting on the toilet to poo and this led to a mega meltdown in the bath yesterday evening and I'm pretty sure he's now withholding poo as there has been soiling in his pants yesterday and today which he didn't let us know about. He looked like he needed to go earlier and when I offered to take him to the toilet he got upset and said his poo had 'gone away'. He will wee in the toilet standing although he will hold on until he is desperate to go - he's very strong willed. We praise him every time he goes to the loo, we have the 'everybody poops' book, the 'pooland' app and try to normalise toilet use as much as possible! He just absolutely hates sitting down on the toilet and I can't get him to use the potty either. I hate seeing him upset and don't want him to experience future bowel problems. I've submitted the form for a call back from the ERIC team and would really appreciate any practical advice or success stories because this is really getting me down and I feel awful that my wee one is going through this.

[CN4321]

Forgive me if you’ve already tried these, but have you let him play while on the toilet? When my son was young we would let him take some toys in, some books or a tablet maybe? I know it’s not the most hygienic but it can persuade those that are less inclined to sit for a while. Bubbles are a double winner as the blowing motion helps them poo. Good luck

[Hidden]

Put him in nappies 24/7

[TwinMum123]

Very similar situation. Will follow your journey.