What do you do when your 3 year old son does not make a bowel movement in the potty, he does it on the floor.?

Question

I put him on the potty for hours and he will not do nothing, but soon as I take him off he does it on the floor. This is really driving me crazy what should I do?

Answer 1

Just leaving him on the potty isn't going to do anything.  You need to reward him when he does something right.  Then he'll associate the good behavior with the reward and will do it more frequently.  Children are propelled by selfishness.  When he does it wrong, then he needs a firm NO and redirection that the p**p goes in the potty.  They have potty chairs that have real flushes and a little song or something when it detects something has come out - p**p or pee.  Perhaps put the potty chair in your living room or wherever you are most often and put him on it every 20-30 minutes.  Keep him in pull-up and try to recognize his cues as to when he is thinking about going or catch him when he's about to squat on the floor and put him right on the potty.  You've got to watch him like a hawk and catch him.

Answer 2

It is a power struggle.  For one thing, you and your child have missed the "potty learning window" of time.  The ideal time to start is between 18-27 months.  By now he knows what he is supposed to do and he is pooping on the floor to "punish" you for trying to force him.  Make him clean it up.  ONLY use underwear, throw all diapers away.  (for at least around the house)  Whenever he messes on the floor or in his pants, make him clean it.  He won't do a very good job, but he'll get the picture and realise how much easier it is to just use the potty.  Be consistent and patient with him and never punish or reprimand him for mistakes.

Answer 3

I know how annoying it can be.  and I bet you have herd this before, just be patient and if he has an accident don't make a big deal about it just say oops and next time we will try a little harder to use the potty.  It took me ages to get my little boy to use the toilet for his but once he worked it out there was no turning back.  I know this isn't a miracle cure but patients is really the answer.