4 year old afraid to poop in potty?

[Texasdad2]

Need advice on a 4 year old who is afraid to poop in the potty. He has no problems with peeing has done so for a long time with no accidents. He is very intelligent and has no learning disabilities. When asked he only says I'm afraid or I don't want to see it. I'm beginning to wonder if he is a germaphobe..If we allowed it, I think he would prefer to sit in his own poop for extended periods over using the potty. He knows when he needs to go as he will often run and hide or cross his legs board stiff to try and keep it in. We've talked to him, tried punishing, nearly everything with little results. I really hope we are not the only parents to experience this, but any info would be greatly appreciated.

[mom2many]

What consequences are you using when he poop's himself? His reaction is really quite normal. Doesn't mean it's acceptable.

[MomMamaMommy]

You say he's very intelligent; have you sat down with him and tried to discuss why he's afraid? Maybe if you talk it out you can figure out the problem. Are you using a potty chair or the toilet? My 2 older sons were both very afraid to sit on the toilet because they thought they might fall in. One of those smaller toilet seats that fit over the top of the regular seat helped a ton. My older son was terrified of the potty chair because the first time he sat on it, the little "pee guard" thing on it hurt him...is it possible something like that happened and he's afraid of getting hurt?

[InstantNoodles]

Have you tried incentives? If he poops on the potty with a potty chart, say 5 times he gets a toy he has been after?

[Accordlakeville]

Try talking to him, Sit him how on the toilet and talk to him with care. I dont know if this may weird, but have you or you partner considered may using the toilet in front of him? Could be a learning experience to show him that theres nothing wrong with going #2 in the toilet.

[royi25]

have you tried reading him a story when he seats on the potty in order to make his time go by easier?

[Sallyskidshop]

Are you leaving him alone when he's sitting on the loo? He may be frightened that he's going to fall in. If you haven't got a seat that fits in the loo then get him one. There are fun stools for children to use to get onto the toilet, maybe that might help him.