Potty-Training For Children With Bowel Problems
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Potty training can be a challenge all on its own, but potty training children with bowel problems adds additional challenges to the scenario. However, children with bowel problems more than likely have no control over the situation and it is up to you to find out what is causing the bowel problems. In most cases bowel problems are able to be corrected with changes in diet, however there are some instances where bowel problems will require help from a doctor. The following information will discuss some normal bowel problems and how parents can work to correct these in order to continue with potty training.
Constipation Makes Potty Training More Difficult
When your child is constipated you may notice an increase of accidents or stool stained underwear. This is incredibly normal in children who are constipated. Generally, when a child is constipated the stool is hard and large and is very difficult to pass. So, instead of going to the potty to try and pass the stool the child prefers to ignore it to avoid the pain. The result is the stool gets more compacted and liquid stool can pass around this stool and be eliminated rather easily, sometimes without the knowledge of the child. The result is stool stained underwear that is liquid or even clay like. You may think if your child is passing this stool then he/she is not constipated, but it is generally the other way around.
If you do notice this then you can assume your child is constipated. Taking them to the doctor might also be a good idea. In this case it is not that difficult to initiate or continue potty training, but you must get the constipation under control. First ensure your child is eating plenty of fiber through fruits and vegetables and little refined carbohydrates. Things like wheat bread, oatmeal, high fiber cereal, and fresh fruits and vegetables work well at keeping a child regular. Avoid sugary cereals, colas, white bread, and the like to help your child become regular. When you notice constipation is no longer an issue potty training can resume.
Potty Training Tips
Your child may be aware of the potty and even want to use the potty, but being constipated has forced them to avoid the potty in fear of the pain. Once the constipation is gone it might take you a few tries to get your child back on the potty and unafraid of the pain. After one or two pain free BMs on the potty your child will more than likely be willing to use the potty from that point on. If not, you will need to offer some prizes.
Prizes work well with children learning to potty train. You may want to offer stickers after every successful BM on the potty and then after your child has earned four or five offer a bigger prize like a trip to a museum, a new book, or something of that nature. You really want to avoid offering candy and foods your child should not be eating because this can cause problems in the future even after your child is potty trained. They may think that after every BM they deserve an ice cream cone because that is what they had been receiving. Be careful what treats you offer to your potty training child to ensure an easy transition. After your child is potty trained you may consider offering a big prize after every 10 successful BMs on the potty. You could even come up with a list of prizes your child would like, write them on paper, and then allow your child to draw from a hat to find the prize.
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