Withholding, clenching and straining.

[Summ3ers]

My 2 and a half year old boy has suffered from constipation since he turned one. He’s been on movicol for just under a year and a half and we’ve finally managed to bring it down to half a dose every other day. We also carefully monitor his diet (as certain foods bung him up) and try to make sure he drinks enough fluids. He’s suddenly started to strain and clench at the same time?!?
He’s not constipated but it seems that unless he is very loose, he suddenly can’t work out what to do. He is showing no signs of being ready for potty training yet. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar? Thank you.

I’ve not experienced it sorry. Have you ever worked out what causes the constipation? Does he ever have mucus in his poo?

Still trying to toilet train my nearly 9 year old because of witholding so I’m placemarking, sorry I have no advice!

We had this. My dd is now 11 but I thought we'd never get there. I'd suggest that he has a sit on the loo (nice padded seat with a foot rest thing) or a potty just to get used to it. Have an open nappy on the potty if he's not sure. Having a giggle and blowing bubbles gets all the right muscles working. Having his knees raised up - better on a potty - helps.
The "I love you" tummy rub is good too. Starting on his right, do a rub from above his hip to his sternum for the "I". Then the same movement but across his lower abdomen for the "L". Then up, across and down for the "U".
Dilute prune juice if he'll have it. Warm orange juice if he'll have it.
Wine and chocolate for you later.