Poop books teach young children that everyone poops and can help them in the process. If you have a potty-trained child who has trouble pooping, you’re not alone. holding in poop is very common in toddlers and young children, and while it’s a huge frustration as parents, it’s pretty unbearable for kids as well.
why does my son hold the poop?
There are many different reasons why they may contain their poop, but most of the time it has to do with control. kids don’t have control over most of their existence, but they certainly can control when they poop. another common reason is that it may simply hurt. releasing a bowel movement, especially a large one after constipation, can literally be a pain in the ass. (Check out these top-rated overnight diapers in case the struggle gets too real.)
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According to Melissa Halas, a pediatric nutritionist, author of the Super Crew books, and fellow mom, some kids’ struggle to poop, “often comes down to fiber, diet, exercise, sedentary behaviors, hydration, position and stress,” halas says. He broke down his explanation of the potential (po-potential?) reasons in terms that even we could understand.
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exercise and technology: “One of the reasons kids can’t [poop regularly] is due to a lack of consistent exercise and movement, which makes the track gi works!” You have explained. “More recently, children have become glued to their screens for both school and leisure, turning sedentary behaviors into a way of life. however, it is recommended that children get at least one hour of exercise a day. On those packed days, make a move by breaking the workout into 15+15+15+15 minute segments! run outside have a dance party. kick a ball…the possibilities are endless!”
Stress: “Younger children may use potty time retention to maintain control, which can become a stubborn habit over time. older children may become stressed by fear of gastrointestinal upset and therefore avoid going to the bathroom.”
hydration: “an essential factor to maintain regular bowel movements. As a general rule of thumb, give your child the number of 8-ounce glasses of water equal to her age + a little more. for example, about a 4-year-old should drink four to five 8-ounce glasses of water a day.”
what can I do to help move forward?
When the struggle is real for your child, there are a few things parents can try. On the one hand, halas suggests giving them foods with a natural laxative effect; things like prunes, dragon fruit, and kiwi. “Adding two kiwis to your diet a day can help stop tension by increasing the frequency, smoothness, and ease of movement,” halas added.
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A useful tip for both children and parents is to change the position of the poo. “Those dangling little legs are causing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to strain, creating unnecessary pressure and strain. instead, prop them up with a stool to make pooping easier. that also applies to mom and dad, it will reduce the risk of diverticulitis and hemorrhoids.”
The most important thing that could help your child have a bowel movement is his diet. stay away from wrapped and prepackaged foods, which means he should try to keep his diet as natural and organic as possible. “To break the wraps, have fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains ready for when you get hungry,” says Halas. “Whole food snacks are packed with nutrients, water, and fiber to help prevent constipation. To keep your child’s gut (and butt) happy, pair them with low-fat dairy or fibrous plant-based foods like beans, nuts, or seeds. ”
Now trying to explain all of this to a young child isn’t exactly a walk in the park. That’s where poop books for kids come in. We rounded up the best poop-themed books for kids that encourage them to stop holding back, at least if they can help it. From books that help overcome fears of pooping to stories that describe how the digestive system works, there’s something for every poop occasion (or lack thereof). by the way, we also have a number of poop toys that could also, you know, help things along. (can we suggest the flamingo “I have to go”?)
Listen up, parents: You’re doing everything you can to help your child get over his poop hesitation. It will happen. Books can help, but if they don’t, you may want to consider a visit to your pediatrician for professional advice.
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