Poop Struggles: Why Toddlers Resist and How to Help

If your toddler is all-in for pee but refuses to poop on the potty—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common (and most stressful) challenges parents face during potty training. The good news? It’s normal, it’s solvable, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing.

Let’s talk about why poop resistance happens and what you can keep in mind as you move through this part of potty training.

Why Toddlers Resist Pooping on the Potty

1. Pooping requires more coordination.
Unlike pee, poop requires more body awareness and control. For some toddlers, that new sensation feels strange or even scary. And others struggle to learn how to relax their muscles at the right time so it can be physically harder to do.

2. Constipation makes it harder.
If your toddler has ever had a painful poop, they may start associating the potty with discomfort. Even after the constipation has cleared, that lingering storyline of “poop hurts” can linger and cause them to totally avoid it.

3. Control is a big deal.
Toddlers are wired for control and independence. Refusing to poop on the potty can sometimes be their way of holding onto any control in a world full of changes.

4. They’re not fully ready.
Sometimes, poop resistance is just a sign their brain + body aren’t quite in sync yet. That’s okay—it doesn’t mean you need to start over, just adjust your approach.

What You Can Do to Help

• Keep it low pressure. The more stress you put on poop, the harder it gets. Stay calm and let your child know their body is learning something new.

• Check for constipation. If pooping hurts, progress will stall. A quick check-in with your pediatrician can make things much smoother.

• Add a layer of play. Sing a song, read a silly book, or blow bubbles together (which also helps their body relax). Play makes the potty feel safe instead of scary.

If You Don’t Want to Guess

Poop resistance can feel like a dead end—but it doesn’t have to be. What usually makes the difference is having a clear roadmap that says: do this first, try this next, here’s when it’s time to move on.

That way you’re not stuck wondering if you’re doing it “right” or worrying about what comes next.

If that kind of step-by-step support would help, my guide Potty Training Playfully lays it all out for you.

Grab it 👉 here