Podcast: Poo withholding – part 2

This is a 22 minute listen.

Why do some children hold onto their poo and how can you encourage them to poo on the potty or toilet instead?

Tips for poo withholding

When a child holds onto their poo and refuses to do it on the potty or toilet, it's called stool witholding (or poo withholding). It tends to happen when children are potty training but it can happen at any time, and in particular it can affect children who have an additional need such as autism. It can be distressing for the child and their parents/carers and can cause health problems if it's not dealt with.

When children stop the urge to do a poo it’s very easy for them to get trapped in a vicious circle of withholding. When their poo hurts or they are fearful of the toilet, they find it hard to relax and are anxious it will hurt.

Children then try to avoid going for a poo and it hurts more.

This cycle of holding poo can quickly mean a child becomes constipated.

Find out more about the signs of poo withholding and how to support a child who might be experiencing this here.

Watch the video