Constipation in Children Treatment

Self-Care at Home

A few important steps at home can keep constipation from becoming a continuous problem:

• Positive reinforcement is the first step in giving children the desire to begin regulation of their bowels. It is important to remove any negative thoughts about being constipated, especially if fecal soiling is present.
  
  
• Bowel retraining is the next step. The body has a natural reflex called the gastrocolonic reflex. After a meal, the colon undergoes peristalsis and attempts to clear the bowels. Have your child take advantage of the gastrocolonic reflex after each meal. Have him or her sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes. It is often easier for the child if the feet are on the floor or on a footstool.
  
  
• Give your child plenty of fluids and juices, such as prune juice.
  
  
• A well-balanced meal consisting of whole bran cereals, fruits, and vegetables with less candy and dessert also helps.