FIene is 3 years old and poops and pees her diaper full day in and day out. The diapers smell terribly because Fiene naturally eats full meals. She is also very stubborn and has a strong will of her own. She often sneaks behind the couch to empty her diaper. Then she comes up with a dirty and a bit tearful face and asks her parents for a clean diaper because she is 'yuck'. Fiene's parents have regularly tried to put her on the potty (even the one with music if she is successful). Fiene sits on it with a big smile and often checks to see if there is any pee or poop in the pot, but really poop or pee on the potty. If her parents put a diaper on her after potty practice, she will poop in the diaper 10 minutes later and ask to be changed. Recognizable?
This example of a 3-year-old toddler teenager with a strong will is a daily struggle for many parents. What to do if you want to get your son or daughter off diapers?
- First, it is important that children feel the urge to poop or pee. This is the case with Fiene because she always hides behind the couch when she feels like she has to poop.
- Then the 'introduction' to the potty is important. Let your toddler sit on the potty occasionally without having to poop, but explain that older children poop and pee on the potty. If necessary, have an older brother, sister, niece or nephew do it and give the child a big compliment for having pooped or peed in the potty.
- The reward given for pooping or peeing in the potty is the most important thing. Come up with a reward that you know your child will really try hard for and make sure that you can give it immediately if it is successful. A grab-and-go basket with very small gifts also works well. Explain clearly to your child what the purpose of the potty is and what he or she will get if it is successful. Try the reward in it to put into view or show and explain that he or she receives the reward straight away if you manage to pee or poop in the potty.
- Then persevere.. Keep offering the reward throughout the day; 'Look Fiene, the grab basket is here, if you poop or pee in the potty you can grab a present, come quickly and we'll try again!' If your child always poops in the morning, let him or her practice regularly, then you have a good chance of success!
- If your toddler has pooped or peed in the diaper, say: 'It's a shame you couldn't put it in the potty, because then you could have grabbed a present. Tomorrow we'll try again and if you succeed, you can grab a present, that would be nice, wouldn't it?
Good luck !
Greeting,
AS Pijpers Orthopedagogue, with expertise in the field of children with toilet training problems.
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