Glass of Prune Juice with Prunes

Here are some signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for if your children are constipated:

• If you begin to notice that your child has three or less bowel movements a week.
• Your child tells you that his or her stools are unusually hard or difficult to pass.
• The stools seem difficult to pass.

Unfortunately, your child may not be honest with you or forthcoming when it comes to being constipated.  Often times, children will avoid passing a bowel movement in order to resist potty training.  This can be a real problem.  For some children, it is normal to have fewer bowel movements, but it is dependent on the child.  If a child is having hard stools, he or she is likely constipated and also very likely avoiding going to the bathroom.

One of the common causes of constipation in children is a water or fluid deficiency.  Children need plenty fiber in their diet.  Constipation in children often starts with the formula or baby food that the child starts out with.  Switching from baby food to solid food can also bring on constipation in small children.  In young children who tend to suffer from chronic constipation, this may be because the child is avoiding passing a bowel movement (usually to resist potty training).

There are many different things you can do to help your child with his or her constipation:

• Dietary changes can be very beneficial.  Begin by increasing the amount of fluid that your child is drinking.  If the child or baby is eating cereal, try adding prune juice to the cereal.  Older children should be instructed to drink plenty of water and can drink prune juice.  Increasing intake of bran can also be helpful.
• Bowel habit training is the next step.  Teach your child not to wait to have a bowel movement.  Try to establish a regular habit by teaching your child to sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at about the same time each day.  Try putting a footstool in front of the tool to make sitting more comfortable for the child.
• Medicine:  Laxatives can be very helpful.  Which type of laxative is dependent on the age of the child.  Consult your child’s doctor for recommendations.

Use a reward program.  Begin by rewarding your child for sitting on the toilet.  If your child sits on the toilet at the planned time, reward your child with one of his or her favorite activities.  If the child has a bowel movement while on the toilet, reward the child again.  Stickers and candy are great rewards for young children.