Potty Training Crisis! Poop Painting.

When I was in college, one of the boys I babysat had the same issue. The backwards pajamas helped. If nap time is when she is pooping, find something that she enjoys doing while she is sitting, put her on the toilet, and have her stay there while you do the activity (distraction might help) I would be patient and give it quite a few minutes. For that little boy, it happened to be singing the alphabet or some other funny song, sometimes reading. It didn't work the first time, but we kept trying. For another boy I babysat it was playing with trucks. For my own kids (I have two), it is reading books. I sat on a stool in front of the toilet and read to them.

Keep reminding her that the poop on the walls is a "no." It will take time, but they won't be doing it forever. As for the paper towels, start using old towels and t shirts to clean up the mess......throw them in the washer with bleach.

It doesn't last forever. Hang in there.

I've had many years experience with toilet learning being a toddler teacher, however never encountered "poop" painting. I found that children at school did have a more difficult time feeling comfortable having a BM in the toilet. If they went in their diaper I would show the child that the poop goes into the toilet. This may be something you consistently say to her if you catch her painting with her feces. "Poop goes in the toilet" not on your bed, the wall etc.
or "If you have to go poop, you need to try the toilet". It may just be a passing phase, but I think it's better to be a little more matter-of-fact and consistent with her. Good luck!

My niece did the same thing! We ended up putting her pajamas on backwards so she could not take them off. If your daughters pajamas have feet, you can snip them with scissors, or buy super cheap pj's that you don't mind snipping. It's worth it if it prevents her from poop painting!

I don't think that tying her into her bed at naptime is a good idea at all for a variety of reasons. Seems to me that having her restrained like that could lead to some serious emotional issues and possibly more behavior problems as she attempts to rebel against this unwanted restraint. Also the lack of control and feelings of powerlessness at being restrained could lead to emotional issues as well.

If she is willfully holding it until she gets to her naptime bed then you already have a power issue going on.

What would she do if naptime were somewhere else instead of alone in her room? Seems that the quiet and private time is an opportunity for her to make a mess, how about removing that opportunity entirely?

You don't say how old she is nor long you've been attempting to train her, so its difficult to assess. Also I don't know if she'll use the potty for urination and only withholds bowel movements.

But first I'd move naptime so somewhere where you can supervise her and as soon as you catch her undressing (which is usually after a bowel movement I'd bet), then I'd pick her up and say, "Uh-oh, you didn't get to the potty. Now let's clean-up." and have her help you clean-up. Possibly a question of, "Do you think you might go some more?" and ask her if she'd like to sit on the pot.

Maybe even schedule something to happen after naptime that she really likes, like to sitdown for a special treat or an activity. No doing the activity or the treat unless she poops in the pot. Even refer to this throughout the day to remind her. If this behavior is something she can control, she'll more than likely decide to control it for the reward. But you must help her along if its not all about control by monitoring closely her activity.

If moving her naptime space doesn't seem possibly then possibly a baby monitor with a screen (CCTV) you can pick these up cheap at places like Sams Club or on Ebay (some will work through your computer). Then again, try to see if you can catch any behavior that indicates she's about to go, is going or has gone and catch her before she has a chance to make another work of poop art.

****Apparently I misread what was written and thought that the writer, J. meant "tying" in bed when the writing says "trying".

My apologies to J. and her family as I certainly don't think for a minute that she's abusive or anyone else is. Actually, I didn't when I wrote that either, I wasn't making judgment then and certainly am sorry for the error.

Again, my error in misreading her request. I guess someone should tie me up and keep my hands from typing before reading these things completely!

She will go when she is ready. Sitting her on the potty is a great start. Just be consistent with lots of praise. M and Ms and stickers worked here. How old is she?

As far as the poop painting, I would put her diaper on backwards so she cant take it off (or put a few small pieces of duck tape on the tapes). I dont think this has anything to do potty training, just something that some kids do and seems interesting to her now that she has done it once.

Good luck!
Mom of 3 plus WAHM daycare provider

J.,
wow you are getting out of the poop painting easy. My daughter during naps would pull her diaper off and paint her entire room what she could reach including the electrical outlets. OMG horror show there. I later discover that oddly enough it was linked to her bipolar disorder that she was later diagnosed with. I am not telling you this so that you will go get her evaluated...just offering a freindly "I know exactly how you feel and you're not alone" sentiment. so the crip getting painted is easier tna an entire room with white walls. I have to laugh about it now but I wasn't then.

Oh man, I feel your pain! My daughter did this too. I can't even tell you how much poop I've cleaned up! It's so frustrating and disgusting, I know. I have since joined this forum and have read a couple of other people's posts on this very same subject. So point #1: You're NOT ALONE! The responses they, and you, have gotten would have been a life saver in our house! Turning the diapers and clothes/pajamas around? Duct tape? So simple! Why didn't I think of that? Hang in there! This too shall pass.
~J

I don't know what to tell you on everything else, but as far as her playing with her poop, have you tried taping the diaper on her at naptime? I've heard of many mothers duct-taping the diaper on their child (not to the skin, of course, just so she can't get the diaper off). I hope this helps!

My baby hasn't done this yet, but I've heard of quite a few that have. Their parents all say to get zip-up PJ's and/or overalls & put them on backwards! Poop painting is my ultimate nightmare (no kidding at all here)& I'm on pins & needles hoping my 14 mo. old baby doesn't discover she can do this. She's started putting her hands down the back of her diaper and lifting the legs/giving herself a diaper wedgie when she poops. She knows she's just pooped & she's curious. I'm just waiting for the day...I'm sure it's coming. Ugh! :(

Good luck!

I think that calmly telling her that it's "yucky" to paint with poop is completely wrong! Painting with poop is absolutely disgusting, unhealthy and unacceptable and she is old enough to understand that! If she is old enough to potty train and to handle sleeping in a big girl bed- she is old enough to understand that poop is dirty!
I would have flipped out if my child touched her poop- never mind repeatedly wiped it on the wall! Eeeew!
You need to raise your voice and make sure that she understands how gross it is to touch her poop! Really make sure she understands that! I know that not all parents believe in spanking- but in my house that would have been a spanking for sure!
How gross!
Make sure your child knows what she can and can't do and follow through on punishments when she crosses your lines. That's what parenting is all about. What are you going to do when your 14 year old daughter hides pot in her room... calmly tell her that pot is yucky? You are setting up a pattern of parenting starting when she is young. She needs to know what she can and can't do- clearly.
Good luck. It sounds like you have your work cut out for you.
-S.

Two words: Duct tape.

Good luck.