Stool Withholding Help

Stool Withholding Help 🌟 Dr Kate McGarry 🧠 Developmental Psychologist 📖 Check out my book for support and guidance ⬇️

15/06/2026

Most people think constipation is the problem… but it’s only part of the picture

🧠 Constipation = physical
🚫 Withholding = behavioural

If we only treat the body and ignore the behaviour, the cycle continues 🔁—leading to ongoing struggle, frustration, and relapse.

✨ This is where the right support matters.
On my page, I share evidence-based guidance to help you understand both sides—so you can support your child with confidence 👇

📌 Check out the resources in my bio to get started

💻 I also offer 1:1 online consultations for personalised support

💬 Comment INFO below and I’ll send you a DM with more details

10/06/2026

POV: You spot your child tiptoeing behind the sofa, planking across the living room floor, or suddenly crossing their legs like they’re guarding a secret… and you’re trying to act completely normal. 😅

“Don’t react. Don’t react. Don’t react…”

Meanwhile, your internal monologue is:
🚨 IT’S HAPPENING. EVERYONE STAY CALM. 🚨

If you’re parenting a stool withholder, you’ll know these “tell-tale signs” all too well. It can be exhausting trying to balance staying calm, avoiding pressure, and managing your own anxiety when you spot the withholding behaviours starting again.

The good news? You’re not alone, and support is available. ❤️

➡️ Follow me for practical, evidence-based support for stool withholding, constipation, and toileting challenges.
➡️ Check out the resources in the link in my bio.

Need more personalised 1:1 support? Drop a “YES” below and I’ll DM you information about how I can help.

07/06/2026

🚨 Parent of a withholder spotted trying to act casual… 🚨

Your child suddenly disappears behind the sofa, goes suspiciously quiet, or starts doing that stance… and every fibre of your being wants to ask:

💩 “Are you doing a poo?”
💩 “Do you need the toilet?”
💩 “Is it coming out?”
💩 “How’s it going in there?”

But instead, you’re over here pretending to be completely unbothered while secretly monitoring every movement like a wildlife documentary narrator. 🦒👀

If you’re supporting a child who withholds, check out the Highlights on my profile for practical tips and guidance, and give me a follow for more evidence-based support with poo withholding and toilet challenges.

✨ Every child’s toileting journey is different, and that’s exactly why I tailor my support to the individual child and f...
05/06/2026

✨ Every child’s toileting journey is different, and that’s exactly why I tailor my support to the individual child and family. ✨

I’m always incredibly grateful when parents take the time to share their experiences after working with me. Testimonials like this are a reminder that with the right approach, even challenges that have felt overwhelming for months—or years—can begin to improve.

Whether your child is:
🚽 Struggling to poo in the potty or toilet
😟 Experiencing toileting anxiety or fear around pooing
👶 Finding it difficult to transition from nappies to the toilet
🧻 Withholding stools or avoiding pooing altogether
🌟 Older and still needing support with toileting confidence

I work with children at every stage of their toileting journey.

My approach focuses on understanding why the difficulty is happening, reducing pressure, building confidence, and creating practical strategies that work in real family life. Every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure what to do next, support is available. ❤️

👇 Comment YES below and I’ll DM you a link to my consultations.

03/06/2026

POV: You’re a withholder parent trying not to hover while your child is on the toilet… 👀🚽

You promised yourself you’d give them space.

You said you wouldn’t ask if they were pooing.

You definitely weren’t going to stand outside the door listening for clues…

And yet somehow your head keeps appearing every 30 seconds. 😂

If you’ve spent months (or years) supporting a child with stool withholding, you’ll know that every toilet sit can feel significant. It’s completely understandable to be curious, hopeful, and just a tiny bit impatient for updates!

Tag a fellow withholder parent who’ll understand! 💩❤️

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