Many people poop once or a few times per day or every couple of days. Constipation, which is a symptom of many other conditions, refers to having fewer than three bowel movements per week. People who go more than a week without pooping may have severe constipation and should talk with a doctor.

What’s normal for your child may be different from what’s normal for another child. Most children have bowel movements 1 or 2 times a day. Other children may go 2 to 3 days or longer before passing a normal stool.

The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long.

Children can get into a habit of “holding” and avoiding the toilet for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they have a memory of discomfort or pain making a bowel movement due to constipation, which means they subconsciously “hold on” to avoid repeating this painful experience.

When toilet training doesn’t work right away, stress can get in the way of ultimate success. One of the best potty training tips is simply to chill. And kids are psychologically best prepared to successfully toilet train in the post-toddler years. Understandably, a lot of parents jump the gun and then get frustrated.

12 Common Potty Training Problems—And How to Solve Them

1. Your child resists going to the potty.
2. Your child has accidents.
3. Your child doesn’t recognize the need to urinate.
4. Your child tries to play with the feces.
5. Your son insists on sitting down to urinate.
6. Your child gets upset when they see their stools flushed away.

Just like crate-training a puppy, walk your child to the potty every 15 minutes, all day long for three days. Cut off all liquids and snacks after dinner while potty training. Complete one final potty mission before bed. Wake your kid up halfway through the night to pee.