Is your toddler terrified to poop? You’re not alone. One of the most common potty training struggles is a child who is scared to let go. From thinking poop is part of their body, to fearing the toilet flush will swallow them whole, toddlers have some very real (and often hilarious) reasons for poop anxiety. In this post, I break down the top reasons kids get scared to poop, why it’s totally normal, and how to help them relax enough to finally “let it go.”

Let’s talk about poop. Not in a whisper, not in code. Just straight-up bowel movements. Because if you're reading this, chances are you've got a toddler who's holding it in like their life depends on it — and it's stressing everyone out.

You’re not alone. Many children, especially during potty training, become afraid to poop. It’s confusing, sometimes painful (literally), and emotionally frustrating for both child and parent. But there’s a very real developmental reason behind it.