While we’ve already addressed the issue of constipation above, we still feel like this deserves a chapter of its own.  Physical problems can be confusing for your child.  They know they should be going on the potty, but their body is just not cooperating.

If you suspect a physical problem, of course, your first line of defense is to take your child to his or her physician.  My sister was having trouble with hard stools during her potty training.  Her doctor prescribed strong stool softeners and my mother made dietary changes and eventually, the problem was rectified.

There are a number of things that could be going on when your child’s body just isn’t cooperating with his or her mind.

Consider the possibility of an allergy. Lactose intolerance (the inability to digest milk or milk products) is the most common, but other foods can cause allergies, too.

How much sorbitol is your child consuming in sugarless candies and gum? Sorbital is a new culprit in chronic loose stools. It also is found naturally in pear juice and apple juice, which could make a difference if a child drinks lots.

Watch for signs of urinary infections. These include pain or burning sensations while urinating, straining to urinate, color changes in the urine, foul-smelling urine, frequent urination that produces very little, or a split stream of urine. Other signs could be abdominal pain or a fever of an undetermined origin. Such infections are not uncommon in small children.

Be aware that even after a urinary problem has cleared up, the child may still remember and fear the pain of urinating, and this may complicate potty training. Reassure the child and don’t be impatient if it takes him or her a while to get over the fear.

Check a toilet-trained child who starts to have many urinary accidents, as well as a significant increase in urination for diabetes.

Remember that diarrhea can cause problems with bowel control. Persistent diarrhea is usually a symptom of a physical problem, and it should be treated by a doctor.

Remember that could be keeping your child from wanting to move his or her bowels, because it is painful. If it’s not chronic, you can help by keeping the children company while they’re sitting on the toilet, lubricating the anus with Vaseline, or even helping hold the “cheeks” apart to make it easier to move the bowels.constipation

Dietary changes can also help. Chronic constipation can put pressure on the bladder and cause daytime, as well as nighttime, accidents in which case it’s time to seek medical attention.

Some parents with special needs children wonder if there’s anything out there that will help them toilet train their child too.  There actually is some advice we can offer in this venue as well.