My child tells me about urination but always poops in the diaper—why?

This situation comes up quite often during potty training and is usually "pee on the toilet, but poop stays in the diaper." The cause is often emotional and psychological: your child can't control the sensation of letting go, so they fear using the toilet for bowel movements, or they see poop as "part of themselves" they're reluctant to release. If there's a history of constipation or painful bowel movements, they're avoiding repeating that painful memory.

Help without pressure: offer a diaper if they ask; this builds trust, not a setback. When they poop in the diaper, you can carry them to the toilet and empty it together, saying, "Look, our poop went to the toilet." Make the transition concrete. Ensure soft stools by providing high-fiber foods and plenty of water to prevent constipation. Most children naturally shift within a few months; if it lasts over 6 months or your child holds their poop and complains of belly pain, consult your pediatrician.