When Children Are Afraid To Go And Poop
When children are afraid to go and poop, it almost always has to do with an intestinal problem in connection with the food they eat. It can lead to pain or irritation, and therefore, when they feel the need to go and poop, they may refuse to do so.
It can also be the case that children are afraid to go pooping when they are in a strange place, different from what they are used to.
This refusal paves the way for constipation, which means that the stool becomes dry and hard. This makes it both difficult and painful to poop, which contributes to a vicious circle.
Where does the fear of going and poop come from?
In general, this fear is associated with constipation and other related symptoms. However, it can also be a result of other reasons. We will mention the most common below:
A surplus of meat and egg-based foods
Eating too much protein can make the stool hard, which in turn makes bowel movements more difficult. It can be good if a specialist monitors your child’s nutritional intake during the first years of life to ensure healthy growth and development. With the right guidance, parents can avoid many digestive problems.
Laziness and sedentary lifestyle
Children who often sit still may find it more difficult to go to the toilet, but it can also cause cardiovascular problems. Therefore, it is important for children to participate in sports and other physical activities that are appropriate for their age.
Anxiety disorders related to mental exertion
Anxiety can occur in school age when children feel overwhelmed by their schoolwork and other academic activities.
Embarrassment
Many times children are afraid to go and poop because they are embarrassed or uncomfortable. The possibility that someone may see them or that they become dirty can contribute to this fear.
Insufficient water intake
When children do not drink enough water to meet their needs, the bowel movements become hard. It then hurts to go to the toilet and there can sometimes be blood in the stool. Fearing that this might happen again, children therefore avoid going pooping at all costs.
As this phobia becomes more intense, it creates a lot of discomfort. Fear prevents the child’s body from getting rid of organic waste, which is natural and necessary. Resisting this can lead to serious problems such as appendicitis, infection, intestinal fermentation, biliary tract pain and more.
What can you do when a child is afraid to go poop?
Experiencing fear is completely normal, especially during the first years of life. But even if it is very common, it should be taken seriously. Parents need to realize the seriousness of this and seek the help of a specialist.
By tackling the problem early, you help to eradicate the fear. In addition, it prevents feces in the intestines from creating additional health problems.
Phobias and fears are people’s responses to negative situations such as pain, discomfort or something they find disgusting. In the early stages of life, these reactions are congenital.
Children develop these fears without thinking about or understanding the consequences of not taking care of their physiological needs. As parents, we need to understand our little ones and give a lot of support so that they can gradually overcome their obstacles.
You should never in any way force your children to face their fears. Rather than helping, it only makes things worse.
Conclusion
Talk openly with your child about his or her fear of going pooping. It helps him or her to gain the confidence needed to express their doubts and fears freely. Open communication strengthens the ability to find the right method to meet the fear.
Children need to feel the support of their loved ones and understand and participate in overcoming their fears. Little by little, these fears will fade when they realize that they have the ability to overcome them.
Our tips are not only helpful in dealing with children’s fear of walking and pooping, but can also help children overcome other difficulties that come their way.
