“My daughter is nearly two and has taken to playing with her poop, pulling it from her diaper and smearing it on her sheets, clothes, and crib. I’ve read that this behavior can indicate curiosity about her bodily functions and readiness for potty training. However, we’ve only had one successful attempt with the potty. My maternal instincts suggest she’s not quite ready, but I can’t have her continuing this mess. What should I do?” ~ Emily R.
It sounds like you have a little artist on your hands, but this isn’t the kind of creativity you want to encourage! While it’s true that some toddlers show an interest in potty training through their fascination with their bodily functions, it can be a tricky situation when that interest turns into playtime with poop.
It’s not uncommon for toddlers to explore their bodies and their bodily functions once they’ve moved beyond infancy. At this stage, she is definitely more aware of her poop than she was as a baby, when it was simply something she might not have even noticed. Now, her curiosity may have been sparked by her brief exposure to the potty or even from reading books about bodily functions. This newfound intrigue could lead her to experiment with what she discovers, especially if your reaction to her previous explorations was one of surprise (a mix of shock and a bit of humor perhaps?).
However, while interest in potty products often indicates some readiness for training, it’s vital to recognize that readiness varies among toddlers. Your daughter might be intrigued, but if she’s only used the potty once, it’s likely she isn’t fully prepared for the transition just yet. At this phase, your best bet is to redirect her focus. Try to make potty time more engaging and fun without putting too much pressure on her. Sometimes, it helps to introduce potty-related games or books, which can further engage her interest in a positive way.
To ease the situation, you might want to consider some practical strategies. For instance, keeping her in onesies or diapers that are challenging for her to remove can prevent her from having easy access to her poop. Additionally, positive reinforcement when she uses the potty can help encourage her to continue trying.
As you navigate these challenges, it’s also worth exploring other resources that can support your journey. For example, if you’re interested in at-home insemination, you could check out Make a Mom, which offers a unique reusable option for this process. You can also learn more about how at-home insemination works by visiting this link. If you’re part of the parenting community, consider joining this Facebook group for insights and assistance.
Remember that every child is different, and patience is key. For additional support regarding maternity leave rights, you may find this blog post helpful.
In summary, your daughter’s fascination with poop is a normal part of development, but it’s essential to redirect her curiosity into more appropriate avenues. With time and encouragement, she’ll likely move past this phase and embrace potty training when she’s truly ready.