Potty Training when a Child Won't Poop on the Potty

The secret to creating a super pooper is to first allow yourself to be a little silly and have fun with the entire process. The more relaxed and at home you are on the toilet, the more comfortable your child is likely to feel. You might show her how you keep some of your favorite magazines next to the toilet and ask her what books and toys she would put next to a potty of her own.

You can also let your toddler hear the sound of the BM going into the toilet. Some parents really play this up. Remember the games you played when you were trying to feed her? "Here comes the airplane, zooooom! Open wide." Most kids get a kick out of hearing a BM splash in the toilet, so play it up. "Countdown to a splash landing. Ready? 3, 2, 1, splash!"

When you have her complete attention (and you will), explain that this is where big people like mommy, daddy, grandma and uncle Ernie put their BMs. Tell her, with great enthusiasm—the same way you might tell her that she just won a pony—that someday, when she's ready to be a "big girl," you will buy her a special potty all her own.

For more potty training advice from Teri Crane, check out her potty training tips.

Talk to other potty training parents who are also in the pee-pee & poo-poo trenches on our Message Board!