Step 5: Poop training for your children

This article is based on the final video in the Ready Steady Potty series, created by Sethu Centre. based on poop training. 

• The first step before starting the poop training, is to identify if the child has any medical condition that may affect the child’s bowel movements. This is to be checked and addressed by a physician.
• Another important factor is the child’s diet. The diet should be rich in fibre. Ensure that the child is having plenty of fruits and vegetables that are good sources of fiber. They should have a healthy intake of liquid as well.
• Fruits such as prunes, apples and pears are less binding in nature and are healthy. Deep-fried foods and refined foods can be more binding in nature and can lead to constipation.
• Constipation or hard stools can be painful for children, therefore a healthy fibre rich diet is extremely essential. 
• Certain conditions such as lactose intolerance can also cause constipation. These should be discussed with the physician and addressed appropriately.

When do I take the child to the toilet?

• The goal for poop training is similar to toilet training. At the end of the training, the child should poop in the toilet when taken and remain clean in between trips. 
• This is however not as easy as planning for pee training. 
• Parents have to identify the time when the child tends to soil their pants, each day.
• Most children are more or less regular with the timings when this may happen.
• For example, the child may poop more often early in the morning or after a meal or after some physical activity. 
• In most cases there is a probable time around which the child poops. Parents have to keep track of these timings for a few days. These times tend to be more or less regular, if not precise. 
• If the child is not regular, this indicates an underlying concern with the diet, which needs to be addressed first.

How do I train my child?

• Once the probable times are identified, take your child to the toilet five to ten minutes earlier and have them sit on the toilet. They will need to sit longer than when they have to pee.
• For example, if it is observed that the child poops as soon as he wakes up in the morning, the parent needs to be ready and wake up the child a little earlier and have him sit on the toilet to poop instead of doing it in their pants.
• Make sure to make it relaxing and fun for the child.
• Once the child finishes, remember to guide him through the steps of:
  • Cleaning themselves
  • pulling their pants up
  • Flush the toilet 
  • Wash their hands

Reinforcement

• Once the child poops in the toilet successfully, it is important to reinforce immediately. 
• Offer them their favourite toy or treat after their successful trip to the toilet. Lots of praise should also be showered upon the child. 
• In case of accidents, just clean and change them into fresh clothes. 
• Keep the interaction to minimum and do not say things like “you have soiled your pants” or “you will no longer get your toy”.

Continue with your training until the child has his bowel movements in the toilet, at least 90% of the time. Continue this for at least 2 weeks.

Self Initiation

• After a few weeks of training, the child may show signs of wanting to use the toilet themselves.
• They may use language modeled to him for using the toilet.
• They may also use nonverbal gestures such as signs or using picture cards 
• Take the child to the toilet on noticing these signs, by just saying “Oh! We need to go to the toilet”. Do not indulge in lengthy conversations. 

Similar to toilet training, if there are no signals, create opportunities for the child to self initiate. 

During this time, when the child is encouraged to self-initiate, there may be accidents. Have patience and continue training.

Why is my child having accidents?

There will be accidents, as the child is being trained to use the toilet for bowel movements. There may be several reasons for this:

• You may be moving too fast, even before the child is ready to use the toilet to poop. In this case, take a step back and continue to trip train for a few more days.
• You may be missing signals. Once the child starts to self-initiate, there will be signals that may be very subtle, pay close attention to any indication that the child offers.
• Do not stop using reinforcers suddenly, before the child is ready. Reinforcers can be replaced by a reward or token system. Fade away the reinforcers gradually and systematically.
• This should be done when the child is more confident in using the toilet to poop.

Do not lose hope

It is important to remember that there are several factors that have to be considered as the child is being trained to pee or poop. 

1. All steps should be followed systematically and sequentially
2. Be prepared during trip training, note down all the timings
3. Ensure the child is comfortable on the toilet
4. Remember to reinforce and praise the child all successful toilet trips
5. Do not ask too many questions and most importantly
6. Do not be discouraged

The session is divided into 5 parts, Getting ready for toilet training, Recording, Trip Training, Self Initiation, and Poop Training. These will help parents learn the systematic steps involved in their child’s toilet training.

After pursuing her training as a special educator, the presenter, Madhura Manerikar was compelled to devote her time and teaching skills to children with special needs. During her work experience at Sethu, she developed an interest in teaching children with autism.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this article is for information purposes only.