Only moms want to talk about constipation, and no one wants to deal with it, but it’s a common issue that affects many children. If your child is dealing with constipation, you know how uncomfortable and cranky it can make them feel. As a first time mom, my 6 month old had a lot of trouble when we introduce dairy to her diet. 13 years later, her little sister has similar issues. It's heartbreaking and frustrating because they are not themselves. It can be confusing if you don't know what's going on. For both of my girls, they were sweet as pie.... until they got backed up! Then the whole house was walking on eggshells until they pooped and we could all breath again. Fortunately, there are some helpful strategies that you can use to get your little one back on track. Here are some tips for helping kids with constipation.Increase Fiber Intake
One of the best ways to help your child with constipation is to increase their fiber intake. Fiber helps move food through the digestive tract more quickly and prevents stools from becoming hard and dry. Aim to feed your child foods that are high in fiber like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans. Find out what fruit and veggies are your child's favourites and be sure to keep them on hand and offer them often. Cucumbers and peppers are popular in our home. In the winter, when fruit is not in season, I like to buy frozen raspberries and blueberries. My kids will eat them frozen or in a smoothy. Some people find Fiber supplements like Metamucil or Benefiber helpful but they never really worked well for us.
Drink More Water
Making sure your child stays hydrated is also very important when dealing with constipation. Water helps keep stool soft so it can pass through the intestines more easily. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid sugary beverages like soda or juice as these can make things worse by dehydrating them even more.
Encourage Exercise
Exercise is another great way to help reduce constipation in children as physical activity stimulates the digestive system and encourages regular bowel movements. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day—a bike ride around the neighborhood or playing tag in the basement are both great options! For little ones, tummy massage may also help. Massage the tummy gently, in a clockwise motion.
If these options don't quite cut it for you, you may need to take some extra steps to support your little ones tummy. Both of my girls have benefited greatly from introducing pro-biotics, digestive enzymes and essential oils.
ClickHerefor my Mom's Tummy Checklist
Constipation can be an unpleasant problem for kids that often leads to tears and tantrums, (both mom and kid) but there are some simple strategies you can use to help them feel better fast. Increasing their fiber intake, making sure they stay well-hydrated, and encouraging exercise are all great ways to help ease their discomfort and get their bowels moving again. With a few small changes and extra snuggles from you, your little one will be feeling better in no time!
7 years ago I discovered how powerful essential oils can be for dealing with stress. My then, 18 month old son nearly drowned in our dugout. As the police left that afternoon he handed my husband a card for Mental Health and told him I would need it. I share my full story here in a video
Hard things are a part of life. And the beautiful thing about the hard things is that they have the ability to develop beauty and wisdom and strength in us.
This, however, is a choice. We have all seen people who have been through hard things who are bitter and angry and miserable to be around. Is that who you want to become? I'm going to assume that if you are here you desire more than that for yourself and your family.
Hard things are a part of life. And the beautiful thing about the hard things is that they have the ability to develop beauty and wisdom and strength in us.
This, however, is a choice. We have all seen people who have been through hard things who are bitter and angry and miserable to be around. Is that who you want to become? I'm going to assume that if you are here you desire more than that for yourself and your family.
Keep this in mind as you face the hard things in life, remind yourself that you can allow this challenge you face, to make you stronger, wiser and more gracious, or you can let it make you bitter, anxious and miserable.
When I returned home with my 18 month old son after spending a night in the hospital to ensure he would fully recover, I knew I didn't want to be afraid or anxious. I am rather high strung to begin with. Now I had triggers that set me off on top of it. I had a choice. I could allow those things to trigger me and be an excuse to be a basket case, or I could take control.
I chose to take control. I researched how I could use the oils to calm that physical and emotional response that I had and whenever something triggered me, I would apply the oils to calm my physical responses. This enabled me to better control my emotions and my thoughts. Rather than focussing on the fear and the image of death that I would see in my mind, I reminded myself that we were safe. My son is ok, that the image in my mind is actually an image of life. Over time, I stopped having such a strong response to the things that had been triggering me. One month later we were able to go swimming at the local pool and I felt completely peaceful. Two months later we went swimming at the lake. I sat on the beach and watched my children play in the water, completely in awe of the fact that I was able to fully enjoy our time there.
Can you see how this may help you when dealing with the hard things you are facing? Let me break it down for you.
Can you see how this may help you when dealing with the hard things you are facing? Let me break it down for you.
Step 1: Find oils that you notice sooth and calm you.
Step 2: When triggered, apply the oils and allow your body and mind to relax. Now Remind yourself of the "other side" of the situation. If you are fearful, remind yourself that you are safe. If you are angry, give yourself space to process that emotion and break it down.
Take a minute now to consider one of the stressors that is causing the most pain right now.
What is it? Write it down in your Real Self Care journal.
Now consider what the other side of it could be. What is the opposite of what you are feeling and dealing with? What do you want to feel about the situation? That is what you will focus on as you apply the oils. You can do this without the oils, I just found it so much more effective with the oils.
I recognize that this isn't easy. You are not dealing with easy things. I can almost hear you saying, "ya but Katherine, you don't know what I'm dealing with"
You're right, I don't. But you said you didn't want to be bitter and miserable right? So this is where you make the choice to focus on what you want to see and think and feel, rather than all the negative things you already are thinking and feeling.
I recognize that this isn't easy. You are not dealing with easy things. I can almost hear you saying, "ya but Katherine, you don't know what I'm dealing with"
You're right, I don't. But you said you didn't want to be bitter and miserable right? So this is where you make the choice to focus on what you want to see and think and feel, rather than all the negative things you already are thinking and feeling.
You can do this!
Bless you friend!
When you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you beat stress:
Grab your Free Self Care Guide
Grab your Complete & Empowered Real Self Care workbook
Most women have no idea what real self care is and the current trend of self care is actually doing more harm than good. There are so many marketers out there right now selling us all kinds of crap claiming that "you deserve to pamper yourself". However, rather than nourishing your body, you end up over loading it with toxins and chemicals that the liver and kidneys need to break down, which leaves you tired and weak. Rather than building up your mind and spirit you end up spending way to much on something that doesn't last. You are left frustrated, tired and broke
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