Increasing Physical Activity
Physical exercise can be another simple way to help your children overcome constipation. Exercising may stimulate bowel movements and help with digestion. More specifically, it stimulates the intestines to move more to push foods forwards. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for constipation. For this reason, encourage your children to go outside for physical activities instead of watching TV or playing games. [3]
Creating Good Bowel Habits
It is important to help your children create a good bowel routine. Encourage them to sit on the toilet for 5 to 10 minutes each meal and try to pass the stools. You may consider some relaxation methods to help your children reduce anxiety related to painful movements. Massage their belly gently as well to help with the bowel movement. Be supportive and try rewarding them when they finish. Another tip is to give them a stool so that they can leave their knees above the hips. This would make a bowel movement easier. [4]
