Desperate for help with pooping

[roostery]

DD is 3, which is a very difficult age, I know, but she has just (in the last few weeks) begun pooping in odd places. Behind the couch, in a decorative tin, in the paper recycling, her grandmother's garden, etc. Now really, I think she's just experimenting, which I'm fine with in theory. When it comes to poop all over my house, however, and sometimes hidden in places that I don't find right away, I am very much not ok with it.

DD has been completely potty trained for a year and a half now. No problems.

I put a potty in her room and said that if she wanted to poop somewhere other than the toilet she could use that. I put one of her favorite books in the bathroom and said it was for reading only during/after a bm. I got her a special handtowel for use only after a bm in the toilet.

Still, she is continuing to poop in other places than the toilet.

Any suggestions? I am seriously unhappy about this.

[attachedmamaof3]

I feel your pain on this one.

DS#1 used to run past the bathroom and poop under his art table, in the closet, in the dirty clothes basket, etc.

What I'm about to say probably goes against everything MDC stands for...but that's okay. Flame away ladies!

I totally bribed him. I got M&Ms, put them above the toilet and told him that every time he went in the potty, he could have an M&M (or two or five). I shoveled those M&Ms into my child. Sugar-high be damned. He wanted to sit on the potty and eat those things all day? FINE! I didn't have to clean up any giant man-sized toddler poos.

It worked like a charm.

[roostery]

I bet that would work with DD too. Hmmm. I may run out to the store. She would do just about anything for an M&M.

Thanks for the idea. I'm with you. If it means no more poop in the closet, I'm on board.

[attachedmamaof3]

Good luck!

[Belia]

No flames here!!! Sometimes, ya gotta do what you gotta do.

Good luck, mamas!

[Kira's mom]

sometimes poop ans m&m's go hand in hand ! no pun intended