Easing Child Constipation: Tips for Shy Poopers

Is your little one struggling with going number two? Perhaps they're feeling shy about using the toilet at school or in public restrooms. When kids don't go immediately after feeling the urge to poop, they often lose that urge and simply forget about it. As the day goes on, it becomes even harder for them to remember they haven't had a bowel movement. This can continue for two to three days, leading to complaints of tummy pain from constipation or even pain in their bottom from pushing hard to get out hard, dry stool.

Today, I'm here to offer a few practical tips to help get your child's bowel movements back on schedule.

Tips to Get Bowel Movements Back on Track

Here are some strategies to help your child with constipation:

1. Colon Massage & Acupressure Points: These techniques can gently stimulate the bowels. We have previous videos with more detailed information about these massages that we'll link in the description below.

2. Water and Fiber Intake:

   • Water: Ensure your child drinks enough water throughout the day. Don't let them chug a large amount in a short period; consistent sips are better.

   • Fiber: Make sure their diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruits. Fiber adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass.

3. Scheduled Toilet Time: Try to establish a regular schedule for your child to try and poop. If mornings are always rushed, maybe plan it for after they return home from school in the evening. The key is to try and make it around the same time every day. Keep in mind that having a bowel movement once every one to three days is considered normal, as long as the stool is easy to pass and has a normal consistency.

4. Proper Toilet Posture: When sitting on the toilet, make sure your child doesn't sit for more than five minutes at a time. This prevents unnecessary straining.

5. Prunes or Prune Juice: You can add a small amount of prunes or prune juice to help promote bowel motility. An expected bowel movement urge might happen around six to eight hours after prune intake, but every child is different. You'll need to see how long it takes for the prunes to take effect for your child.

6. Stay Active and Moving: Being active and moving around helps promote bowel movements. Movement stimulates the digestive system.

Pooping Stimulation Exercise

Here's a short, fun "pooping stimulation exercise" I created for my own kids to help keep his bowel movements on schedule.

• Arm Stretches: Stretch your arm up, reaching to the sky, and do a side bend. Then switch directions. Repeat this a few times, stretching side to side.

• Shake Your Booty: Wiggle your hips side to side, then try moving them forward and backward.

• Leg Swings: Kick your right leg forward and backward in a swinging motion, then switch to your left leg.

• Floor Booty Shake: Get down on the floor and shake your booty side to side.

Consistency is Key

Hopefully, you've given these techniques a try and noticed a positive difference in your child's bowel movements. We'd love to hear your feedback and comments below!

What is the biggest challenge you face when your child is constipated?

• 0%Getting them to drink enough water
• 0%Encouraging them to eat more fiber
• 0%Convincing them to try to "go" on a schedule
• 0%The discomfort/pain they experience

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