Why do toddlers holding bowel movements.?

Child retains stool?: Voluntary stool retention is a surprisingly common problem among young children (typically males). Scheduled stooling, use of stool softeners, reward for healthy behavior & dissuading maladaptive behavior often helps. Before assuming however your child is exerting "control", first have him/her medically evaluated for colo-rectal dysfunction, hirschprung's, metabolic disease & re-evaluate diet.