Tips for prevention and relief
source: Mayo Clinic 

Drink plenty of fluids. The first thing to consider when dealing with constipation is whether your child is getting enough fluids. Fluids of all kinds are important, although water is best. 

Consume foods that are rich in fiber. The bulk in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, such as wheat bread and bran cereals, is beneficial. So are prune and pear juices. Diets high in fat, sugar, protein or dairy products may aggravate constipation. In general, foods from animal sources promote constipation, and foods from plant sources do the opposite. Because it can be difficult for parents to know what or how much their children are eating in school or child-care centers, the diet at home becomes all the more important. 

Pay attention to your child's bowel habits. Encourage your child to go to the bathroom as soon as there's an urge to defecate. If your child is constipated, ask him or her to sit on the toilet after meals. It also may be helpful for you to record his or her bowel movements on a calendar or diary. 

Encourage daily exercise. Just getting up and moving around is one of the best ways to conquer constipation. Staying active helps the digestive system flush waste from the body more quickly. 

Help your child relax and loosen up. For constipation, doctors may recommend certain muscle relaxation techniques. For example, young children's feet don't usually reach the floor while they're on the toilet. Placing a footstool underneath their feet may take pressure off their pelvic bone and relax their muscles. 

Laxatives. A doctor may also recommend a laxative or stool softener if improvements in diet and toilet habits don't ease your child's constipation. Check with your doctor before giving a laxative to your child. 

Promote thorough wiping and cleanliness. It's important to keep the anal area clean to prevent skin irritation, which can lead to pain during defecation. If the anal area is sore, tell your child to clean it with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Soap and other cleaning agents, such as bubble bath, may cause further irritation. 

Talking with your child. Your child may be reluctant to discuss bowel habits, particularly after age 4 or 5, when all children become more modest. However, it's important to reassure your child, whatever age he or she happens to be, that mild constipation is bound to occur at one time or another.

It's reasonable to wonder how often your child should be having bowel movements, but there's no definite answer. As a general guideline, though, at least three normal bowel movements a week is probably just fine.

When to call the doctor
In cases of persistent constipation, your doctor may need to rule out an underlying cause. Give your doctor a call if your child:

- Goes over 10 days without a bowel movement
- Has had recurrent episodes of constipation since birth
- Has difficulty participating in daily activities because of frequent bouts of constipation
- Develops anal tears or hemorrhoids
- Has to strain in order to expel stool
- Has blood in or on the stool
- Has diarrhea, cramping or stool leakage along with constipation 

Remain compassionate
Constipation is very common in children, and it can happen at any age. Frustrating as the problem may be, parents should do their best to keep it in perspective — it certainly shouldn't cost you any sleep. With your patience and support, your child will establish regular bowel habits in time.