Random thought about Poop

Lately I have been doing some light research in the area of potty training.  Austin is not even close to beginning this stage of life, but I want to be prepared for when he shows signs.  After all, according to my mother-in-law, Adam was completely potty trained by his 2nd birthday.  That only gives us 8 months to keep up with his dad's amazing record.

From my reading it seems some children are afraid to poop.  I remember from a babysitting experience I had, the little boy 2-3 years old, would run and hide in a corner or behind furniture when he needed to poop.  At the time I thought it was cute that he wanted to be alone to take care of business.  I now realize that perhaps toddlers run away to poop because it scares them to do it.

So why does this oh so natural bodily function terrify children?  My latest thought is because we as adults give them the idea that it is a bad thing.

For Austin's entire life, I have caught myself screaming in a silly manner when he poops.  I tell him it is "yucky and stinky".  I also immediately run through the house with him to change his diaper.  We talk about his nasty poop the entire trip to the changing table.  "That must feel squishy on your bottom, can you wait till mommy cleans you up?"

So it is obvious why toddlers are scared to poop --they are scared of their momma's reaction and they learn that its a "bad" thing because we tell them it is.

My challenge for myself from this day forward is to congratulate Austin for his poops as to not instill a fear of pooping in him.  Whether this will aid in our potty training experience I do not know, but hopefully he will not be scared to poop.