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The Psychology of Withholding Bowel Movements

By A Mystery Man Writer

Withholding bowel movements, or resisting to use the potty, can be a difficult situation, for not only toddlers and children, but their parents, as well. This type of behavior in children usually comes right after potty training, just when you think they are independent. Withholding may occur from a prior traumatic experience or from distractions from environmental stimulation. Trauma doesn’t necessarily have to be something extreme, and the environmental influence on withholding also doesn’t need to be something you would even suspect as potentially contributing to this problem. Let’s dive in to break this down a bit! Traumatic Experiences During Potty Training Can Lead to Withholding I recall distinctly the first time I had to use a public restroom when my toddler was just potty trained. You know how some toilets automatically flush, rather loudly, once you get off? My daughter was