How do you know when your toddler is actually in pain?

[Gabby10]

My 3 year old DD keeps saying her tummy is hurting. It often seems to be at night or first thing in a morning. Check the usual, does she need a wee/poo, is she hungry ect but she never is and never a wants medicine. I’m not sure if she actually does have tummy ache or if it’s just something she’s saying. She does also say she has tummy ache if she doesn’t want to do something so not sure if she actually does or not. The only kinda link I can find is milk but I can’t see this is suddenly happening after 2 years of drinking milk. its been going on a couple of weeks and I don’t know if I should take her to the GP or not.

Any advice would be great, thanks

Well she could be trying to tell you she’s in discomfort or she might just be experimenting with words and enjoying the attention that statement brings. No way of telling, so I think you should take her to the GP just in case. They can check her over and hopefully set your mind at rest.

Thank you. I’ve pressed on her tummy and stuff and when she says it’s hurting and there’s no sign of being in pain but yeah I agree a trip to GP is probably best. I’m just scared they’ll think I’m wasting their time!

I don’t think they will at all. You’ve looked for explanations and it’s been 2 weeks - you’re just a concerned mum doing the right thing!