From the first bell to the last, school days are busy. And the last thing your child wants is to be distracted by constipation.
Kids learn best when they feel safe, well, and engaged. Discomfort caused by childhood constipation can upset your child’s feelings and prevent them from participating in class as best they can.
The School Day Dilemma
Constipation — when stools are hard and painful to pass — can be caused by various factors. You may be surprised to learn that some of the causes of childhood constipation relate to things that happen at school:
• Changes in diet: Some kids don’t eat the healthy lunches you’ve prepared for them. If they’re not eating enough fibre in their diet, that may result in hard stools.
• Change to routine: Your child may be used to using the bathroom at certain times during the day when not at school. Adjusting to the school timetable may affect how regularly they poo.
• Playtime fun: Some kids are just too busy playing, so they hold on and avoid using the toilet at school. Holding on can result in hardened stools.
• Toilet block ick: Some school and preschool kids don’t like using the toilets at school. They might dislike the lack of privacy and the smell, or may feel nervous after a negative experience in a public toilet.
• School room stress: The worries and pressures of the classroom can affect what’s happening in your child’s digestive system.
• Lack of exercise: Some school kids prefer to sit on the sidelines rather than join in the activity at school.
Your child will feel more comfortable at school if they’re having comfortable and regular bowel movements. It’s important to note that the normal frequency of bowel movements can vary between children. Typically, children may have a bowel movement between 3 times per day to 3 times a week.
Managing Constipation at School
Constipation affects around 1 in every 3 children. You’re likely not the only parent with a child who experiences constipation at school.
Fortunately, you can try several things to help prevent or manage constipation in your school-aged child. And the sooner you act, the better, to help your child get back to healthy bowel movements more easily.
Diet
Fill your child’s lunchbox with fibre-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Make sure your child takes a water bottle to school, and remind them to drink when they feel thirsty. Avoid sugary snacks and processed foods, which aren’t good for healthy digestion.
Exercise
Encourage your child to get moving in whatever way they love. Exercise gets things moving in the tummy, which can help ease or prevent constipation.
Even a little activity can go a long way. So help them to dance, run, climb trees, swim or play sport – whatever is most enjoyable and accessible for your child.
Stress management
Feeling stressed can cause tummy troubles, too.
Teach your child calming techniques like deep breathing or counting to ten. This may help them feel better and be able to go to the toilet more easily.
Reassure your child if they have worries about using school toilets. Let them know that the school tries to keep these areas safe and clean, and that you’ll talk with the teachers if something’s wrong.
Create a supportive environment
Talk to your child’s teacher about your child’s constipation. Work together to create a comfortable, no-judgement environment by:
• Allowing your child to have their water bottle accessible in the classroom to encourage hydration
• Encouraging your child’s active movement at school
• Allowing your child to use the toilet when needed, and not asking them to ‘hold on’
Let your child know it’s okay to use the bathroom when needed.
Open communication
Keep in touch with your child and the teacher about any changes in their bathroom habits. Good communication can help catch things early and make problem-solving easier.
Constipation Can Be Conquered!
It’s possible to help your child deal with constipation and feel their best at school. The key is to act early and work with your child’s teachers and doctor when you need to.
Your child’s doctor can offer treatment advice to help manage occasional constipation at school.
This could include using an osmotic laxative that helps to soften the stool, such as Coloxyl Macrogol for Children. It can help make your child’s poo a bit softer and more comfortable to pass.
Always follow your healthcare professional’s direction when using any constipation treatments.
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