My son and his wife have tried allowing their 3 year old to go at his own pace with potty training and for the first week everything went OK and then he told them he didn't want to go in the potty and wanted to wear a diaper again. Their pediatrician told them to wait and try again in a few weeks. Now he will urinate in the potty but has held his poo for 4 days. He cries in pain and still won't go until they give in and put him back in a diaper. I had 4 kids and am at a loss to advise them.

Poor kid!

Something went wrong somewhere.. thing is, they are right- kids need to go at their own pace.

I say take a few weeks off, and let him try again when he shows he is ready. Lots of look mommy and daddy use the potty but low stress in the meantime! I don't know how comfortable parents are with it.. but why not show him the example. Kind of gross, I know.. but he might pick up on the idea better. Kids love to imitate, after all.

Poor kiddo.. he must not understand the cause and effect to get that constipated. Maybe they should consult with the pediatrician to see if there is something there off. I also know there is Yahoo groups and such that focus on this topic specifically!

Its funny.. most kids get the poop part before the pee part!

Good luck to your friends!

Jani Teeter