how can I encourage a 4 year old to seat on the toilet to poop instead of doing it in his underwear?


He has no accidents whatsoever regarding peeing, thus he goes to the bathroon even at night; the problem is that he does not feel confortable seating on the toilet.

Answers:
First get a doll that goes on the potty. Have him "teach" the doll to go and make a REALLY big deal about it when the doll goes. Sing, dance, tons of praise, etc focused on the DOLL. Then tell him that if he goes poop in the potty you'll have a party for him just like the doll had. When he does go on the potty get out the balloons and noisemakers and go crazy singing and dancing with him to conratulate him on the accomplishment. Finally figure out his favorite character and tell him if he goes on the potty he can call that character (a friend who has been prewarned and is willing to say "this is _____ i'm so proud of you for going poop on the potty, now you can be a super hero like me (etc.)" Stay far away from negativity when he has an accident, simply clean him up in silence (i know this is VERY difficult but you MUST be the adult and swallow your frustration) The scolding and punishment is attention and even though it is negative it is still rewarding to him. If you place the rewards on the positive behavior and essentially ignore the negative behavior you will shift his incentive toward the positive.

Other Answers:
Start listening to more Elvis on your Hi-Fi

I bought "special" underwear. Like superman or whatever and called it "big boy pants" Also if you put a small stool under his feet it may help. Some kids get scared when their feet just hang there. In hard situations like this, it's always best to use the reward scheme. Well that's what I call it..
Use a treat in the learning process. Make the child understand that if he poop in the toilet, he would get a very special treat(Show him what it is) If he doesn't, no treat. If succeed, take a picture with his treat and place on the refrigerator. Continue the process with the reward.

I think positive reinforcement works best. When he poops his pants DO NOT scold him. Rather, when he goes potty where he should award him with something he likes. Books also work. My daughter would go potty by herself and I'd walk in and she would have a book or magazine. She would look so cute! You should try it.



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