I had such great responses posting here before I thought I would throw out the following question- our nearly 3 yo son has dealt with GI issues since 6 mos old. He is constipated and has trouble digesting lactose- unfortunately, every time he tries to pass a bowel, he is extremely uncomfortable and as a result, the lack of knowing the language or outlet for his feelings of pain and frustration turn into hyperactivity until the bowel is passed. Typically, I know when he has to go (usually in the morning and afternoon) because he suddenly runs around, starts throwing toys, sometimes will hit or pinch me, and in general, is out of control for a short period of time. It always saddens me because I know what he is going through but no doctor has offered any advice about how to curtail this reaction (he has been on various medications to help with the constipation). I have tried time outs and taking away the toys he is throwing but in the moment, he doesn't care about consequences, he is just wound up until it passes. I want to find a positive way to help him, and while these outbursts don't last long, I don't want them to develop into a further habit. He only does them when at home, or with a small group with whom he is comfortable- never at pre-school. I have suggested having him squeeze a pillow instead of lashing out at me, the dog or his toys, and sometimes this works but not repeatedly and not without suggestion. If anyone has any recommendations I am all ears!
Hi R.,
I was going to suggest the pillow hugging. You've done that. I'd remind him. Perfect thing would be too find out what's causing the constipation in the first place. I'm in agreement with the first responder. It could be gluten. It could also be cow's milk. Something's upsetting his insides. Some people suggest naturopaths physicians. I've never been to one myself.
Good luck,
: ) Maureen
I agree with Joanne completely! Reliv Kids Now is delicious - vanilla or chocolate - and completely safe, no warning labels required. Reliv's products are safe for pregnant moms, infants, toddlers, on up to the elderly. The Kids Now should take care of the digestive issue by giving him all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and everything else in the right balance - he's obviously got something out of balance, like so many of us do. If necessary, you could add a small amount of Reliv's fiber product too, but I'd start with the Kids Now and see if that takes care of everything. Otherwise you are masking symptoms or treating symptoms with drugs, and it's so frustrating. I know that's what the doctors throw out there but that's because so few of them study nutrition. I'll bet that, after a few months on Kids Now, your child can add dairy back into his diet. I know you want to regular his behavior and get him to do something productive and proactive, but maybe everyone will be happier if you can actually eliminate the cause of the problem! I have so many friends who have achieved this and they would be happy to speak with you.
Stop giving him bread and pasta (especially white flour). Shop at whole foods. The poor kid!!!
Hi R., I am so sorry for your son's problem - it must be very painful. Are you on the North Shore? I do hope so because I recommend that you take your son immediately to see Dr. Ellen Blomerth who is located at the junction of Rt I and Lowell Street in Peabody - her # is ###-###-####. You can call and ask to speak with her directly before you even go in. She is the only Chiropractor on the East Coast who has been trained in the special gentle method and therefore one of her specialties is working with infants and children. She has helped many children/babies with constipation issues. Please call her. When you call, be sure to ask for Dr. Ellen as her husband, Dr. Steve, is also a Chiropractor but does not use this gentle method. I wish you a quick solution. E. Taft
REliv Kids Now has helped many kids with both digestive issues and constipation. His body is lacking something and the drugs don't fix that-they just falsely stimulate which isn't a resolution-just a temp fix. The body knows what to do when given the right fuel. Doesn't matter what size the body is either.Poor little guy must be at least as frustrated as u r!
J. H
Hi R.,
I'm sorry your son is experiencing difficult bowel movements. I think you might take his behavior (running, throwing) and consider it his way of prepping himself with gross motor movements. So I would set up a small area to direct him to, to have this burst of activity. The area could include a small, secured child's rug, a child's rubberized step stool, rubber blocks, etc. The idea is that he gets to move well and fast. Some stores have children's rugs with colors squares and he could jump from square to square. If the rug is big enough, you can put a strip of masking tape to make a large oval to run around. The step stool and rubber blocks are for him to set up obstacles to jump or hop over, as well as to knock down. I have set something like this up for a child in a corner of a room, and when I suggested it, he was eager to go over, get the stool from under a chair, move it to the safe area and run and jump.
Best of luck.
Has your son been tested for Celiac's disease it is very common to have constipation and hyperactivity and acid reflux problems too. If it were diagnosed properly there would be more people w/ it than diabetics my youngest is a monster if he gets any gluten he gets constipated and is a terror until he goes. I don't really think time outs are going to help he is in pain and frustrated and doesn't know how to deal with it you need to help him work on communicating it. My oldest still gets very moody if he hasn't gone regularly and he is 7.
