When child withholds pooping but they have to poop (doing a little dance) or is in pain, do you make them sit on the potty?

[questions2020]

Child is 3 1/2 and is withholding stool completely for weeks.

[Robinia]

If your child is 3.5 and not pooing for weeks at a time that sounds like serious constipation- maybe I got that wrong?

Is your child on movicol? If not I would speak to the GP immediately about introducing it.

[questions2020 in reply to Robinia]

Working on that with doctor but do I make him sit down on the toilet or potty?

[Littlefair in reply to questions2020]

You have to try make it part of your routine, ideally get him to sit around ten minutes after meals for ten minutes. Some people suggest bribery, although that didn't work for us, he just said he didn't want anything! Don't out pressure on to poo, or do anything other then sit. When on there read books, blow bubbles (helps to encourage pooing), watch YouTube, etc. It's very tough though, it's a constant struggle for us too.

[questions2020 in reply to Littlefair]

Thank you. I will try to build into the routine but if I can tell he has to poop and it is outside the regular time, do I make him sit on the potty? He has a tantrum about not wanting to

[Robinia in reply to questions2020]

I would say toilet or potty depends on which is more comfortable for your child. My son is 11 and still uses a stool called a squatty potty to ensure his body is in the right position for doing a poo. The key is to ensure good positioning and make it fun and part of the daily routine 20/30mins after meals. I bought my son a harmonica to play on the loo as blowing helps him relax his anal sphincter muscles.

[questions2020 in reply to Robinia]

He doesn't want to sit and fights it. So, do I let him go in his pants? He has no problem sitting to pee.

[Robinia in reply to questions2020]

When my son was very constipated he found it easier to poo standing up. That might be true for yours. I think treating the constipation has to come first and then you can work on the desired behaviour- that’s what’s worked for us