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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Three year old with constipation
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Three year old with constipation
by Janine, Apr 29, 2000 12:00AM
I have a newly weaned and newly turned three year old that is currently having a serious constipation issue. She was seen this am by her ped that has recommended mineral oil two times a day and an enema every other day if she is still witholding stool.
I am very clear that she is afraid of having a bowel movement. I am also very clear that she is purposefully holding back from having one.
I understand the why behind this treatment plan, but it doesn't address her emotional response and am looking for some guidance as to how I deal with her during this time. Is there anything that I can do or say beyond the obvious "why" Mommy is doing this and that I love her and want her to be healthy?
Any tips to help this go smoothly with a minimum of emotional upset to her would be appreciated.
I am very clear that she is afraid of having a bowel movement. I am also very clear that she is purposefully holding back from having one.
I understand the why behind this treatment plan, but it doesn't address her emotional response and am looking for some guidance as to how I deal with her during this time. Is there anything that I can do or say beyond the obvious "why" Mommy is doing this and that I love her and want her to be healthy?
Any tips to help this go smoothly with a minimum of emotional upset to her would be appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Apr 30, 2000 12:00AM
, Apr 30, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Janine,
Children who become constipated experience bowel movements as painful, so they understadably avoid the. Of course, this only exacerbates the problem. The regimen your doctor recommends will ultimately help.
You might speak with your daughter about the discomfort she may have felt. If she validates this, you can add that the treatment she is undergoing, at the suggestion of the doctor, will make the bowel movements much more comfortable. As she becomes more comfortable, she'll be fine.
Children who become constipated experience bowel movements as painful, so they understadably avoid the. Of course, this only exacerbates the problem. The regimen your doctor recommends will ultimately help.
You might speak with your daughter about the discomfort she may have felt. If she validates this, you can add that the treatment she is undergoing, at the suggestion of the doctor, will make the bowel movements much more comfortable. As she becomes more comfortable, she'll be fine.
Member Comments (2)
by Janine, May 03, 2000 12:00AM
Thank you for this and btw, everything is working. She had two bowel movements today without assistance (in almost a week). We are ALL thrilled! :)
