A child who has been constipated will associate going to the bathroom and having a bowel movement with pain, so he may be more cautious when it comes to potty training. If he was constipated around the time that you introduced potty training to him, he'll more than likely be content to keep using diapers, as he may be scared of the potty. Ease him into the transition and offer fiber rich foods that will help him to have more comfortable bowel movements. Soon his memory of pain will be a thing of the past.
Step 1
Avoid starting potty training before your child is ready for it. The Mayo Clinic notes that trying to potty train your child too early can cause her to resist a bowel movement, compacting the stool further and making it hard to pass. This will only exacerbate the problem. Wait until she shows signs that she is ready, like having dry diapers for a period, being interested in the potty and being able to reason, as recommended by BabyCenter.com.
Step 2
Change your child's diet to facilitate more comfortable bowel movements. Choose a diet high in fiber, with plenty of liquids. If your child is picky and won't eat fruits or vegetables, try blending up a smoothie with berries, prunes and bananas, or hiding fiber rich vegetables in sauces and soups.
Step 3
Offer prizes for successful potty training as incentive to get on the potty. Don't offer sugary prizes, as these can make constipation worse, according to LaborofLove.com. Instead, try experience-related prizes, like a trip to the store to pick out a toy, or going to an out-of-the-way park that he loves. Let him know once he does five successful bowel movements on the potty, he can go to a place of his choice.
Step 4
Avoid scolding or becoming angry because your previously constipated child is nervous of the bathroom. She is most likely scared because of the pain that she feels, and you should respect that. Never force her to sit on the potty; this could cause her to become scared of the potty as well as the pain.
Step 5
Visit your doctor if things don't seem to improve. If your child is still indicating that going to the potty is painful, or shows a fear of it, your doctor can prescribe a children's laxative to help things move more smoothly, and to make potty training easier.
