My child poops 'behind the couch': what now?

My child poops 'behind the couch': what now?

Many children look for a quiet place to poop, for example behind the couch. That doesn't mean they're being difficult, but that they want to feel safe.

Use this signal positively

See it as awareness: your child feels something is coming.

Why this works: this is already a step towards control.

Offer an intermediate step

Let your child sit on the potty with a diaper on.

Why this works: They still have a familiar feeling, but the potty becomes familiar territory.

Reduce gradually

Cut a small hole in the diaper so that poop falls into the potty.

Why this works: Getting used to it step by step provides security.

Give compliments

Say: “Good job for sitting on your potty.”

Why this works: Positive attention reinforces desired behavior.

Don't force them to do it “right” right away. Trust grows in small steps.