Causes

• The two main causes for constipation are not enough fluids or fiber in your child's diet. Fiber can be found in cereals, fruits and vegetables.
  
  

Symptoms

• A symptom of constipation is when your child is having three or fewer bowel movements a week. It could also be that your child is having a hard bowel movement. Hard bowel movements could be why your child is trying not to have a bowel movement. They can be painful.
  
  

Treatments

• Have your child sit on the toilet for 10 minutes after dinner. This is the best time to help retrain their bowels. Feed your child well-balanced meals and have her drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. If you take your child to a doctor, they may put him on a laxative. This should be taken as directed and only for the recommended time.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Besides having your child drink plenty of fluids, you can help her avoid constipation by having a regular potty schedule. He also needs positive reinforcement when he has a bowel movement. It can encourage more regularity.
  
  

Warning

• Constipation can be serious. If your child has a fever, bloody diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain, she needs to see a doctor immediately.