How to Train a Child to Poop on the Potty

As a child grows and starts to go to the bathroom on the potty, he may find urinating on the potty easy but having a bowel movement more challenging. With patience, parents can take steps to encourage a toddler to go poop in the potty. As with many things, children do this at their own pace, with some learning faster than others. Eventually children will be successful and they will be proud to be a "big kid" that doesn't need diapers or pull-ups.

Things You'll Need

  • Potty chair
  • Reward prizes

Instructions

    • 1
      When a child has an accident, take the bowel movement to the toilet.

      Show the child where poop belongs. According to Kids Health in "Toilet Teaching Your Child," any time a child has a bowel movement in her underwear or diaper, you should go with her to the bathroom to place it in the toilet. Consistently remind the child that "poop belongs in the toilet," so that she starts to understand the goal.

    • 2
      Write down bowel movement behavior and times to determine a pattern.

      Track the schedule and know the signs. Some children have a bowel movement around the same time each day, and others will squat behind a chair and their face will turn red when they are trying to go. Write down these instances for about a week, then you will know when the signs are pointing to some potty time.

    • 3
      Help a child relax by reading a book.

      Set the child on the potty and wait patiently. It takes time and relaxation for a successful bowel movement. Often a small potty chair works well so a child can rest his feet on the floor. Plan on sitting with the child in the bathroom for awhile. In "Getting Your Kid to Poop on the Potty," Parents Connect suggests reading books, coloring, singing songs or playing games such as "I Spy" to encourage the child to relax and sit for awhile.

    • 4
      A small prize may encourage a child to continue to use the potty.

      Give big rewards for success. Using the potty is a big deal for children, and parents should treat it as such. In "Encouraging Your Child's Progress," Healthy Children suggests offering praise for small steps. Even if the child verbalizes that she needs to poop, but goes in her pants before she gets to the toilet, encourage that behavior. Next time, she may poop on the floor next to the toilet. For small and big successes, offer plenty of verbal praise and some tangible prizes often help as well.

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