Learn about the reasons behind children holding in their poop, the potential health consequences, and how to support your child.
There's a certain level of anxiety that comes with needing to poop, a mix of worries about sound, smell, and even catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror knowing exactly what you're doing! It's no surprise that children experience similar feelings. If your child is holding in their poop all day at school, it's important to understand why. Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a pediatrician at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, says that a child being concerned about their bowel habits is completely normal.
'If a child has an experience where they were not comfortable, this may lead to stool-holding during the day away from home. Sometimes, it can be something as simple as using a different bathroom or ensuring that when a child has to use the restroom, they are allowed to do so in a quick manner. Other times, it may be a bit more complex,' she explains.So the first step is to talk to your child. If they struggle with pooping, especially toddlers and preschoolers, they may be holding onto their bowel movement because they're afraid it will hurt. This creates a difficult cycle because the longer they avoid pooping, the more painful it becomes when they finally do. Dr. Siddiqui says, 'As a pediatrician, I have written notes on occasion to allow children to use a different space or be allowed to use the bathroom when needed.'It's also crucial to ensure your child is eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, fiber, and water. If your child experiences frequent bowel issues and it affects their ability to function at school, it's time to consult their pediatrician. Maybe your child doesn't have any physical discomfort but simply prefers to avoid public restrooms. While understandable, this can potentially lead to problems. Dr. Siddiqui emphasizes that 'Children — and adults — should have a bowel movement at least once a day.' When and how that happens isn't as crucial, but if you notice your child struggling to go once they're home or experiencing hard, painful bowel movements, it's time to intervene. She recommends assessing whether your child is constipated or experiencing loose stools. Dr. Siddiqui also advises teaching your children the importance of using the restroom as soon as they feel the urge to prevent stomach pain, painful bowel movements, and cramping. 'These pains can get worse as stool accumulates in the intestines. Another issue with holding stool for prolonged periods is the rectum may become more dilated, which can cause larger, more painful stooling,' she explains. Medications like stool softeners can help but should only be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or healthcare provider. If you're considering any interventions to help your child poop, always consult their doctor.Not every child who waits to poop until they're home will suffer consequences, but it's essential to know when your child needs support. Dr. Siddiqui says if your child experiences stomach pains or cramping after meals when they return home from school, this could indicate they've been holding their bowel movements for too long. 'Having extremely large or very small pebble-like stools can both indicate stool holding or constipation, and younger children may have stains or soilage in the underwear, which can be an indication of large amounts of stool in the rectum,' she notes.It's common for constipation and stool-holding to worsen over time if not addressed promptly and correctly, so don't hesitate to reach out to your child's healthcare provider
CHILDREN's HEALTH BOWEL MOVEMENTS CONSTIPATION STOOL HOLDING PARENTING TIPS
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