my 6 yr old boy still refuses to poop in the potty

[wolf2011]

I am looking for any ideas how to get my 6 yr old son to poop in the potty.  he's not constipated, he's afraid to go.  he would go and go back to pooping in his underwear.  please help

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Andrewsmom70]

Sounds like POOP JAIL is in order for him.  The information on how to do it can be found in this post: http://www.cafemom.com/group/562/forums/read/7107108/Poop_Training_Information_HERE

[Lcherniske]

There is actually a disorder called encopresis, in which a potty trained child continues to poop in their pants. If you look it up on the Internet you can find ideas and even children's books about the subject. A combination of diet change and possible laxative (under doctor supervision), positive reinforcement, regularly scheduled times to "try", as well as when he has an accident be matter of fact and have him help clean up the mess may help. Does he often hold it for periods of time or only soil his pants a little? Often, children will hold it in as long as possible until small amounts get through. They become so used to ignoring these signals that the body naturally holds it in. I would be careful about getting into a power struggle with him because it can backfire. I would definetely discuss it with his pediatrician. Does he have any developmental delays? I am a behavioral therapist for children with developmental delays so this is just some things I have learned- this is a actually a common delay.

[Andrewsmom70]

It was my understanding from what she posted that he will go in the toilet sometimes but prefers to poop in his pants.  I think that's different than what you are describing.  But then again, maybe I misunderstood her description.

[Kat263]

I also have the same problem. My son is almost 5 and poops daily in his underwear. If I can get him to go in the morning I am usually ok but if I don't it is 2 or 3 accidents in one day. He is on a stool softener because he will get constipated. We saw the doctor but he didn't do much. He talked about encopresis, we also did enemas but it didn't really help either. I am very concerned about when he goes back to preschool. He is getting at the age when kids notice these things. What books are out there?

[Andrewsmom70]

It really recommend poop jail that I mentioned in my initial response.