Well-Being


corn, green beans, spinach, avocados and potatoes with skin. Children should have 100-percent


whole-wheat breads and pasta, as well as whole-grain cereals and waffles. Limiting fast food, food with a high fat


content, caffeine (especially in soda), and having no more than 24 oz. of milk per day can help prevent constipation. If your child is currently being toilet-


trained and is resisting stooling on the toilet, you may abandon the training for a while. Pushing kids too hard creates emotional issues and constipation from holding in their stool. All children need daily exercise, which helps the body transport stool through the intestine. Some medications may cause constipation. Your provider can discuss with you necessary steps for prevention. Establishing a daily time for having


a bowel movement helps kids develop good toileting habits. Most children do not like to go to the bathroom at school or in public places. They may suppress the urge to go. Feelings of stress or having power struggles with parents will contrib- ute to constipation. Rarely, kids may have physical problems that cause constipation.


48


Your provider will determine if further testing is needed. Establishing a bowel movement routine is important. Generally, about 30 to 60 minutes after a meal is a good time to use the bathroom. Kids should stay on the toilet for at least 15 minutes, even if they don’t go. Do not become irritated with your child if there is no bowel movement. It may take a couple of weeks for the routine to take hold. Do not give enemas, suppositories or stool softeners without consulting your provider first.


Establishing a high-fiber diet, adequate


fluids, daily exercise and a bathroom routine will help children maintain healthy bowel habits, thus preventing constipation. Kids are happier and more relaxed when a good regime is maintained.


Jo Ann B. Serota, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP, IBCLC, is co-owner of Ambler Pediatrics, Ambler, PA. She is president of the NAPNAP Foundation, past president of NAPNAP, corresponding editor of primary case studies for the Journal of Pediatric Health Care and a Ready, Set, Grow advi- sory panel member.


www.readysetgrowmag.com


ISTOCK.COM


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