Potty training is an exciting time for you as a parent, but a challenging one for your child. Your little one must suddenly learn how to control these bodily functions, and recognize the urge and head straight for the toilet. But, it's also a chance to gain independence for you both. Potty training comes with a number of challenges and potential problems that parents and children may need to deal with---and one of those is constipation.
What Is Constipation?
If your child is not having as many bowel movements as usual during potty training, he may be constipated. Other signs of constipation in children include painful bowel movements that are difficult to pass---sometimes, you may even see blood on the stool or the toilet tissue. Constipation can also cause loss of appetite, and your child may complain of stomach pain. You may even notice a tight, swollen belly, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC).
Why Constipation Happens During Potty Training
It's difficult to gauge when you need to go to the bathroom if you're just figuring it out for the first time. Although your child may dart for the toilet when she doesn't really need to go, she may also hold in a bowel movement. Perhaps the child is nervous or anxious about using the toilet, or the urge isn't yet recognized. A child may also not want to stop whatever fun activity they are doing to go to the bathroom, suggests the NDDIC. Having bowel movements may also be a source of embarrassment for some children.
Is it Serious?
Constipation can be very painful for your child, and it can lead to accidents that appear to be diarrhea. Unless your child can successfully pass bowel movements and learn how and when to go, constipation will only continue and bowel movements will be more difficult because they are backing up in the intestines.
Treating Constipation
You'll need to physically address the constipation and work on the emotional reasons behind why your child won't accept potty training. First, the NDDIC says that you should make sure that your child is drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fiber---that means lots of whole grains (breads and cereals), vegetables and fruits. You may need to use a laxative or a stool softener to help your child pass a bowel movement and make it more comfortable.
Seeing the Pediatrician
If your child's constipation lasts for longer than two weeks, the NDDIC says that you should schedule a visit with the pediatrician. Any signs of bloody stools, abdominal swelling, fever, losing weight or vomiting should also be addressed by a pediatrician. A pediatrician should examine any sores or cracked skin around your child's anus, or anything protruding from your child's anus (as the problem could be a rectal prolapse, or intestines that are poking out).
Addressing Toilet Training Issues
Talk to your child about what makes him anxious about having a bowel movement on the potty. Figure out if it's an issue of not wanting to stop playing, if it's because it's too painful or if your child is simply embarrassed. Coax and encourage your child by setting aside certain times to have a bowel movement, and explain that grown-ups and big kids all use the potty. Make scheduled "toilet time" as fun and relaxing as possible by offering your child a book to read or playing some music---just make sure that you schedule about 10 minutes a few times a day for your child to sit and try to have a bowel movement. You can even offer a little incentive---some toy or treat---to reward your child after having a bowel movement on the toilet.
