Hi Alicia – it is not unusual for children to achieve daytime continence but continue to experience problems when it comes to number 2’s! When this occurs we need to think about ways that will encourage her to do poos in the potty or toilet. You may need to revisit some of those basic strategies you used when you first started toilet training her. Encourage her to sit on the toilet or potty after meals, you can make this a more pleasant experience by giving her a book to read or pop her in front of a favourite video. Make sure you offer her a reward if she does go but do not make a big deal if she doesn’t as anxiety will only make the situation worse. Repetition and reinforcement are keys to successful toilet training – keep talking to her about how we do our poos in the potty/toilet, read her books about toileting, let her watch you using the toilet (if you are OK with this). For some children withholding stools is a matter of control – this is often the case where there are lots of changes occurring in children’s lives such as the birth of a new sibling or starting preschool – in these cases it is important that we transfer the control back to the child so that they feel it is their decision to do a poo in the toilet. Constipation can also contribute to children withholding stools so it is important that you get this ruled out first before trying any of the suggested behavioural treatments suggested above.

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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