Stool Withholding Help

11/12/2025

Struggling with toileting routines or stool withholding? 🛁 Visual supports can make a huge difference!

First-Then-Next cards show your child exactly what’s expected and what comes after:

✅ First (required task) → ✅ Then (second required task) → 🎉 Next (reward).

Why do they work?

They create predictability, reduce anxiety, and keep kids motivated with a clear reward at the end. Perfect for multi-step routines like toileting!

How to use them:

✔ Pick two short, achievable tasks (e.g., sit on toilet + wipe bottom).
✔ Choose a motivating reward for “Next.”
✔ Show the card before starting and use simple language: “First sit, then wipe, next sticker.”
✔ Follow through—make sure the reward happens right away!

Examples you can try:

👉 First: Sit on toilet → Then: Wipe → Next: Sticker
👉 First: Sit → Then: Bum squeeze → Next: Watch a video
👉 First: Flush → Then: Wash hands → Next: Play with bubbles

🎁 Want ready-made cards for bum squeezes? Comment “cards” below for a DM to my FREE download!

08/12/2025

05/12/2025

So many children are treated for constipation when the real issue is actually stool withholding — and if we miss those behaviours, our little ones get stuck in the same painful cycle. 💛

If your child is actively holding onto their poo, doing “bum squeezes,” hiding, tiptoeing, clenching or avoiding the toilet… treating the constipation alone won’t break the cycle.
We must identify the withholding behaviours and support their emotional + physical readiness to poo.

I have lots of videos on my feed walking you through:
✨ how to spot stool withholding
✨ what behaviours to look out for
✨ how to support them step-by-step
✨ what ACTUALLY helps long-term

Save this for later and share with another parent who needs this reminder. You’re not alone. 💛

04/12/2025

✨ Another 5-star review for Squiggy the Poo! ✨
I’m so grateful for every parent who shares how this little book is helping their child feel more confident, relaxed and actually excited about going to the toilet.

If you’re navigating constipation, stool withholding or toilet anxiety, Squiggy the Poo is designed to make those tricky moments lighter, calmer and easier for your child, and for you.

Want the link sent straight to your inbox?
💛 Comment “BOOK” and I’ll DM you the Amazon link so you can grab your copy today!

Let’s help more little ones feel proud of their poo journeys 🚽💫

03/12/2025

Struggling with toileting routines?
First–Then–Next cards are a game-changer for building predictable routines and increasing engagement. They break the process into clear steps so your child knows exactly what to expect, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
Example:
✅ First: Sit on the toilet
✅ Then: Do bum squeezes
✅ Next: Enjoy a high-value reward – whether that’s a sweet treat, screen time, a favourite game, or a trip to the park!
Want to make it easy? Drop “CARDS” in the comments for a FREE link to my pre-made First–Then–Next cards. You can personalise them by swapping in your own pictures!
✨ Build routines. Reduce stress. Make toileting positive.

02/12/2025

✨ The Birthday Candle Technique ✨
A simple, child-friendly strategy to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety on the toilet, and help little ones who are withholding or becoming overwhelmed during difficult moments.

By guiding your child to “blow out the birthday candle,” you’re:
🎂 Teaching slow belly breathing
🎂 Redirecting their attention away from what’s upsetting them
🎂 Helping their body relax so they can feel safe and in control
🎂 Strengthening co-regulation and connection with you

This technique is gentle, effective and can make a huge difference for children who experience stress, fear or tension around toileting.

💛 Save this for later & share with a parent who needs it.

01/12/2025

Supporting families through stool withholding and toileting difficulties is at the heart of my work.

Testimonials like this highlight the positive progress children can make with a structured plan, consistent strategies, and guided support.

If your child is experiencing stool withholding or toileting anxiety, my consultations provide evidence-based advice and practical steps you can implement immediately at home and in school settings.

Thank you to this family for sharing their experience. 💙

If you want more information about booking a consultation with me comment “Yes” below or tap the link in my bio!

27/11/2025

Is your child doing bum squeezes properly?
If your little one has struggled with constipation or withholding, teaching their body how to poo again is a huge part of recovery. Bum squeezes help retrain the muscles so pooing becomes easier, faster and far less stressful for everyone.

This reel shows exactly what to look for and how to support your child as they build confidence with their bowel movements.
Comment squeeze and I’ll DM you all my bum squeeze posts and games to try at home.

**problems

24/11/2025

📚✨ Help your child understand healthy toileting habits with Squiggy the Poo!
A fun, gentle and educational children’s book that supports parents through potty struggles, constipation, withholding and toilet anxiety — written to make those tricky conversations easier (and a lot less stressful!).

Perfect for parents, early years professionals and anyone supporting little ones on their toileting journey. 🌟

🛒 Available now:
Find it on Amazon, Waterstones, T G Jones, and online with ERIC.

15/11/2025

🤔 Is your child constipated… or actually withholding their p**p (stool withholding)?
These two can look very similar, especially because most children who withhold will also become constipated, which makes everything even harder to understand. One of the biggest clues is how your child responds to the constipation.

💩 Constipation
👉 Constipation is when a child has difficulty passing a bowel movement.
👉 You might notice fewer poos, hard stools, straining, tummy aches or discomfort.
👉 A child who is just constipated will still try to have a poo.
👉 They often ask for help, communicate the discomfort and want the poo to come out, even though it hurts.

💩 Stool withholding
👉 Stool withholding is when a child avoids doing a poo even though they feel the urge.
👉 Common behaviours include hiding, running away, stiffening their body, crossing their legs, going vacant, shaking or turning red from trying to stop the poo.
👉 Even when constipated or uncomfortable, they continue fighting the urge to pass the stool.

⭕️ The complicated overlap
👉 Constipation can lead to withholding because the pain of passing hard stools makes a child scared to poo.
👉 Withholding can also lead to constipation because the longer stool is held in, the more water is reabsorbed, making it harder, larger and more painful.
👉 The key difference is in the child’s response:
• A constipated child tries to get the poo out.
• A withholding child tries to keep the poo in, even when constipated and uncomfortable.
👉 Treating constipation alone won’t break the cycle if the withholding behaviours continue.

🚀 Follow for expert guidance on stool withholding, constipation and children’s toileting behaviours.

11/11/2025

If your child struggles with stool withholding or constipation, life can feel like it’s on pause. But every small step forward matters. Celebrate the progress, even when it feels slow. You’re building trust, comfort, and a future where your child feels safe and confident. That’s powerful parenting.

💬 What’s the hardest part for you right now? Finding time for yourself, managing anxiety, or helping your child feel comfortable? Share below 👇Let’s support each other!